Baked Granola Bars

 Today I made new batch of granola bars. This time I tried a baked version. Before I’ve only made no-bake one. They came out pretty good. The batter tasted divine, but after cooking I felt they didn’t have quite enough pizzazz. Alas, I will still share the recipe with you.

 Ingredients:

- 2 cups quick cooking oats

- ½ cup all-purpose flour

- ½ whole-wheat flour

- ½ cup chopped almonds

- ½ sesame seeds

- ¼ cup wheat germ

- 1 teaspoon salt

- ½ teaspoon cinnamon

- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil

- ½ cup honey

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

2. Line a 9X13 inch baking pan with parchment paper

3. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.

4. In a small box or Pyrex measuring cup, combine wet ingredients.

 

5. Pour wet mix in with dry mix and stir to combine. 

6. Pour into pan and press evenly.

 

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

8. Try to let them cool completely before cutting. ( I couldn't wait, but it make it easier and cleaner cuts if you do!)

 

Move out of the way Vanilla

Never would I ever break into a Gu, just for a snack. I stood in front of shelves of them for years and was never enticed to buy one when hunger strikes. The first time I tired one was at XC camp and I thought it was totally vile. This was after running only 3 miles and it was probably a gross flavor too like chocolate. When I started training for marathons, I tried them again and have to admit after running for 14 miles, they do hit the spot. I am not very adventurous with flavors though. I tried a couple fruit ones and wasn't a fan, so I have always stuck with Vanilla or Plain. (Plain taste like honey!)

Sorry Vanilla Gu, I think I'm retiring you. I have a new love affair with Peanut Butter Gu. It is your own fault. Make anything Peanut Butter flavor and I not be able to resist. We got these in the store and I was patiently waiting until long runs resumed to try it out. First go, and I think I said out loud yum. It was super delish! Just did my marathon and solely used PB Gu for the event!

Pizza, Pizza, and More Pizza

I can't get enough of making pizza. I'm a machine. That stone was one good investment!

Cream sauce, Baby Spinach, Fresh Tomato Slices

 Red peppers and Onions

Spinach, Mozz and Provolone Mix

Ok this one looks ridic! Kind of like a mountain range. It was a dough purchased from Hannaford and for whatever it wanted to rise and keep on rising. It stood like 2.5" tall!