Granola Bars

I have a big problem with corn syrup. It just makes me mad. So, I found a recipe for granola bars using brown rice syrup and I adapted it to our preferences. You can substitute any goodies or nuts you like for total customization.

1 1/4 Cup Rolled Oats (the slow cooking variety)
1 1/2 Cup Puffed Grain Cereal (I use Kashi 7 Grain Puffs)
1/2 Cup Oat Bran
1/4 Cup Natural Coconut (optional)
1 Cup Nuts (I use a mix of Cashews & Almonds)
1 Cup Rasinets
1 Cup Brown Rice Syrup
1/4 Cup Natural Cane Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt

Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil (4 " extra overhand on each end) and coat with a non-stick cooking spray. Mix Oats, Cereal, Oat Bran, Coconut & Nuts in a large heat resistant bowl. In a saucepan, heat the brown rice syrup, sugar and salt over medium high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often. The mixture should be bubbling, but not scorched. Pour the syrup over the dry ingredients and mix as best as you can. Transfer the bowl's contents onto the aluminum foil and lightly press the mass into a rectangle about 8" x 10" (use the oiled aluminum to avoid burned digits). Work the rasinets into the bars, pressing them into place. Cover the bars with the aluminum foil and refrigerate for 20 minutes. When set, cut the bars into desired portions and refrigerate in a sealed container for the week. Let them come to room temperature before eating.

The Enlightened Palate

Granola Bars