Friday, April 27, 2012

Something Sweet

If you market this one as you cookie, you might get some weird looks.

But if you are on the lookout for some homemade chewy granola bars that can be eaten alone, as cereal, or sprinkled on yogurt, look no further!



This recipe was inspired by Blueberry Girl!

1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup of peanut butter
1/2 cup mixed nuts, finely chopped
1 cup dried fruit (I used 1/2 dried cherries, and 1/2 raisins)

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup apple sauce
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, mixed nuts and coconut flakes. Stir in spices. Add dried fruit and stir until well and evenly mixed. Make sure the dried fruit do not stick together in big batches.
In another bowl, combine canola oil, mashed banana, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.



Form dough into balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.




I had to make these "cookies" for a work event, so I drizzled some dark chocolate on top!  I would also consider mixing in chocolate chips to make them sweeter. 

 But, for a nice hearty granola cookie, keep it simple!

Combine with a Friday style workout...get out there and move but keep it chill.  You've had a long week!  Mr. PT and I got in about 15 miles on the bikes, but I was coasting and enjoying the scenery. Ah!

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