What we're eating NOW!

I absolutely have to have my snacks! That is I keep a little cooler of snacks in my car at all times for emergency purposes because hey, you never know when hunger might strike, you don't want to fall prey to a burger and fries at the drive thru, AND snacking sensibly throughout the day keeps you energized and your metabolism going! SOOOOO snacks are important!! So what am I eating lately?? Well beside my arsenal of fruits, veggies and multigrain crackers, I LOVE a hearty granola for my sweet tooth! It always fills me up, without weighing me down, AND a little goes a long way! Not to mention, it's just sweet enough to keep that ice cream princess from screaming inside my head...(yes she is there, and she really likes ice cream and if I fed her the amount that she whines for, well let's just say I shut her up, alot!) So here's a great homemade granola bar recipe (great for portion control) and also a store-bought one I LOVE, too!! SO ENJOY AND ALWAYS B-FIT4U~~FoodieGIRL

Homemade Granola Bars (courtesy of Ina Garten)

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

 

BEAR NAKED GRANOLA

a fantastic store-bought granola with all natural ingredients and tons of flavor combos! Definately buy some today!

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