Hi all, we've been a bit hectic here with Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac preparations. Early in the weekend it was looking like we here in Florida would take a direct hit from Isaac so appropriate prep needed to be taken. We've learned around here to always take these things seriously, although there are still people who brush it off, we are not among them. In 2004 Hurricane Frances spawned tornadoes in my town that completely leveled my workplace, and many homes. Scary stuff. So Sunday we made sure we had plenty of water, restocked our dwindling flashlight supply (my grandson loves a flashlight and often squirrels them away) and picked up our yard chairs and various things. By Monday we knew that the hurricane would go more towards New Orleans, but that of course with these storms you still have to be on alert for all the other things, like the tornadoes. School was cancelled for Tuesday. Come Tuesday we really only had a few showers and no other effects. So that brings me to the post, my grandson spent the day here with me since he was out of school. He wanted to bake, so we decided on his favorite granola bars. I think I've mentioned in the past that I am always trying to substitute healthier options in his diet. He used to love those overly processed, overly sugared snack bars, but he now loves this version. Especially since he can almost make them by himself. He's not allowed to touch a stove (he's still only 7, even if in his mind he's an adult). These things are delicious, simple to make, require no baking, the only cooking involved is to heat the agave and peanut butter to mix it well and warm it. They are also easily adaptable to other tastes but these are the ones that appeal to my darling grandson and he eats them for snacks. I grind the almonds because he doesn't like nut pieces in his food, but I want him to have the health benefit of them, you of course can chop them.
Kid Easy Granola Bars
1 3/4 cups Brown Rice Crisp Cereal
1 cup Rolled Oats (not the quick or instant stuff)
3/4 cups almonds ground up
3 tbs flax seed ground
1/3 -1/2 cup agave (it kind of depends on how liquidy your peanut butter is)
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter, of course you can use a chunky also
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
And here's how to do it as demonstrated by the 7 year old.
Step 1. In a med/ large bowl, add first 4 ingredients, and mix them together.
Step 2. In a small pan stir together the agave and peanut butter and heat until just warm and combined well. Add vanilla. Pour onto dry ingredients. This is the adults part of the job.
Step 3. Mix slightly with a spoon and then using your hands mix all ingredients until well combined and all dry ingredients are well coated.
Step 4. Taste the product. I always tell my grandson to taste what is being cooked so you know if you have to make changes. My instruction to him is that his hands and his mouth are two of his best tools.
Step 5. Pour into an 8x8 pan that you've lined with wax paper (for easy removal). Using your hands, pat mixture down firmly and evenly.
Step 6. Refrigerate well, at least 2 hours. Remove from refrigerator and pull out of pan.
Step 7. Also the adult's part. Slice into 6 strips, and then slice the strips in half, to make 12 bars. I wrap each in wax paper and then refrigerate until he's ready to grab one for a lunchbox or snack.
And that's it. You've got kid friendly, kid easy, healthier, delicious, non processed granola bars. You've also just created kid memories by spending time with the child in your life in the kitchen. You've also created an opportunity to talk to that child about the food they put in their body without making it a lecture. A win all the way around. Brian and I hope you enjoy his favorite granola bar.
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