Thursday, July 7, 2011

Sandra's Chewy Granola Bars


    My daughter Caroline and I were getting ready to head out on a road trip to Asheville for the wedding of a family friend and I was trying to think of a homemade treat to bring along to balance out the fruit and carrot sticks I had already set aside for the cooler. It has been some time since I had made these and I thought the timing was perfect. This recipe is from a good Kiwi friend, Sandra Oddie who is an amazing gardener as well as cook. She made a batch of these for a trip our families took to Marlborough Sounds a few years ago. They are a bit decadent and hard to stop eating once you start. However, the organic oats, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries can ALMOST convince you they are healthy. Her recipe is in grams but I have converted it here to make it easier to follow. The Golden Syrup really is key for the flavor. You can find it in many grocery stores in the international aisle. It is a British product and is delicious!


Chewy Bars 
9 X 13 pan
Ingredients:
13 TBS. butter
2 TBS. Golden Syrup
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup Craisins(or raisins or other dried fruit)
1 cup flour
1 1/2 cups Organic whole oats
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cups shredded coconut
3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
3/4 cup oat bran

Melt the butter and Golden Syrup in a small saucepan.

Pour into a medium bowl and add other ingredients and mix well. Press into a 9 by 13 pan and bake at 375 degrees for about 22 minutes. The Golden Syrup will cause it to turn quite golden brown so keep a close eye on it. Cool on a wire rack before cutting and to remain true to Sandra's style, store them in a tin!


Caroline and I indulged with one each on the trip down(~ 15 hours of driving) and to help remove the temptation we took them on a hike to some falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway where they were well appreciated. I hope you enjoy them too! 

 
yours in baking-
p















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