Start your year off with a new snack recipe that is as portable as it is versatile! Use your favorite dried fruit and nuts. After they've cooled, wrap them individually and keep in your desk, purse or glove compartment for on-the-go snacks.
Energy Star Granola Bars
adapted from recipe in Fitness Magazine, March 2011
1 C quick-cooking oats
1/2 C whole-wheat flour
2 T Chia seeds
1/2 C Grape-Nuts cereal
1/2 t ground ginger
1 egg, beaten
1/3 C unsweetened applesauce
1/4 C honey
1/4 C brown sugar
2 T oil (grapeseed, canola, olive, or coconut)
1 16 oz package mixed dried fruit pieces
2 T pumpkin seeds
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1/4 C dark-chocolate chips (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 325. Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, chia seeds, cereal and ginger. Add egg, applesauce, honey, brown sugar and oil; mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Spread mixture evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Cool completely. Use edge of foil to lift bars from pan. Cut into bars.
