Saturday, February 05, 2011

Granola Bars -- without sugar or wheat

Hi,


I wanted to make a snack for my kids and myself that suited our restrictions and thought of granola bars.  These are wheat (gluten) free, soy free, dairy free, egg free and sugar free, of course :)


Honey Granola Bars


Pre-heat the oven to 350F.


4 cups rolled gluten free oats (or barley if gluten isn't a problem) 

1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit)
1/2 cup flax seeds (or coconut, unsweetened)
1 cup nuts (pumpkin seeds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
*See Note below


1/3 cup fructose
1/2 cup Stevia in the Raw, measurable
1/2 cup honey (or agave nectar)
2 tablespoons sorghum molasses (or honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup melted lard (or other solid fat, like coconut oil)
1/4 teaspoon salt
**See Note below


Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well.  Line a 15"x10" baking sheet with a rim with parchment paper.  Spread the granola evenly over the baking sheet.  Bake it for 15 to 20 minutes or until it is just becoming golden.  Remove it from the oven and use waxed paper or parchment to press it down firmly into the pan while it is still quite warm.  Once it has cooled down almost to room temperature, cut the granola bars with a sharp knife.  Allow them to continue to cool.  Once they are completely cooled, use a spatula to remove them from the pan.  It may be necessary to cut the bars again with a sharp knife.  Store them covered and place parchment  between layers.  A word to the wise:  Do not use paper towels.  They stick to the bars.  Makes 16.


*Note:  I've discovered I can substitute quite a few things in this combination.   Basically, it needs 4 cups of grain and 2 cups of additional ingredients.  I've used up to 1 cup of puffed rice or puffed millet cereal instead of up to 1 cup of rolled oats and instead of the fruit.  Have fun!


**Note:  Instead of 1/2 cup of Stevia in the Raw, 1/3 cup additional fructose can be substituted.  Also, corn syrup can be substituted for the honey in a pinch.

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