Gluten and Dairy Free Granloa Bars Recipe
Oats, Sesame Seeds, Almonds, Honey, Healthy Coconut Oil, and Fruit
May 15, 2009
While buying granola bars at the store is convenient, you are getting a far inferior quality than what you can make at home. Most store products are loaded with sugars--often hidden in the ingredient list among preservatives and other junk. Sugars are often called by different names: high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, glucose syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, sugar, etc.
While some sweeteners are better than others, this is a marketing tool to break up the sweeteners into different ingredients so that the consumer doesn't notice that sugar is really leading the way on the ingredient list, and to be able to say that the product contains a healthy ingredient (for example using a minute amount of honey and then a boat-load of corn syrup). While manufacturers have to list the ingredients with the most abundant first, there is no regulation saying they must list exactly how much of each is used.
Not to mention: you can spend a fortune on granola bars for your family, as well as contribute to packaging waste. So, why not make them at home? They're fun, quick, and super yummy and healthy! Feel free to experiment with whatever you've got in the fridge, substituting your favorite ingredients and adding in more.
Rachel’s Ooey-Gooey Beegan Gluten-Free Granola Bars
- 2 1/4 C Old Fashioned Oats
- ¾ C Sesame Seeds
- 1 C Almonds, smashed into pieces (alternatively: cashews, pecans, peanuts, or walnuts)
- 1 t Sea Salt
- 1/2 C Honey
- 5 T Coconut Oil
- 1.5 t Vanilla
- 1 C Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, chopped figs, dates, cherries, pineapple)
Directions:
- In a 9 x 12 pan: combine the oats, sesame seeds, almonds, and salt. Toast in the oven at about 350F for 12 minutes or until light golden. Stir every 4 min or so to prevent burning
- While waiting for the good stuff to toast, combine the honey and coconut oil in a saucepan and heat until the two mix into a consistent liquid, stirring frequently. Then stir in the dried fruit, allowing them to soften and soak up some of the sauce.
- Remove the oats, seeds, and nuts from the oven when they are nice and toasty. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla, then pour directly over the toasted mixture. Stir until combined and “ooey-gooey.” Press into the pan and allow to cool. (and try not to eat too much of the deliciously sticky mess)
- When cool, cut into bars and enjoy!
Suggestions: If you crave a little more carb in this bar, try adding 3/4 C flax seed meal or puffed rice.
You could also try adding dried coconut and experimenting with other sweeteners like maple syrup.
They make a great treat for the office instead of the usual doughnuts, bagels, and cake. They're also a good alternative to the corn-syrupy rice krispie treats for kids.
