Time to ditch that almond poppy seed muffin your having every other morning for breakfast and reaching for this healthier, equally as delicious almond poppy seed granola bar instead! I'm ecstatic about this recipe that I came across from Rachel Ray. You can make a full batch of better tasting (and better for you) than store bought granola bars at home in about 5 minutes. I now have no excuse for buying the preservative filled granola bars at the store =), but after trying these I no longer have the desire to buy the store bought ones either. The possibilities with the recipe are endless! I can't wait for all the variations I'm going to try on these in the future. Here are some ideas ahead of time because I can't resist sharing =):
- Chocolate chunks, freeze dried raspberries and chopped almonds
- Dried apples, chopped, baking caramel pieces (I'd freeze them first then add to oat mixture or press into the top) and cinnamon/nutmeg
- White chocolate chunks, dried cranberries and macadamia nuts
- Lime zest/juice, coconut, coconut extract and chopped macadamia nuts
- Toasted coconut, candied pineapple, chopped macadamia nuts and dried bananas
- Dried blueberries, chopped almonds, white chocolate chips and almond extract
- White chocolate chips, orange zest and orange juice
- Pretzels, peanut butter and chocolate chips
- Peanuts, peanut butter and freeze dried raspberries (I love the flavors of a PBJ)
That's just a random list, I haven't tested them yet but they are combinations I can't wait to try in the future. If you try them let me know how you like them or let me know of any variations you come up with and love. Have a great day!
Yields 12 bars
Ingredients:
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup Rice Krispies Cereal
1/3 cup (heaping) dry roasted almonds, chopped
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
4 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 tsp almond extract
Directions:
In a mixing bowl combine quick oats, Rice Krispies Cereal, chopped almonds and poppy seeds, set aside. Melt butter in a medium saucepan then stir in brown sugar, honey and salt. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat stirring constantly, then reduce temperature to medium low and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in almond extract. Pour sugar mixture over oat mixture and toss mixture until evenly coated. With buttered hands, firmly press mixture into a buttered 11 x 7 baking dish. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate 15 minutes. Cut granola into bars and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Lemon Poppy Seed Variation
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup Rice Krispies Cereal
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
4 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup light-brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/8 tsp salt
Directions:
In a mixing bowl combine quick oats, Rice Krispies Cereal and poppy seeds, set aside. Melt butter in a medium saucepan then stir in brown sugar, honey, salt, lemon juice and lemon zest. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat stirring constantly, then reduce temperature to medium low and simmer 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour sugar mixture over oat mixture and toss mixture until evenly coated. With buttered hands, firmly press mixture into a buttered 11 x 7 baking dish. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate 15 minutes. Cut granola into bars and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Note: I also tested these with lemon extract and didn't like them as much. The lemon juice did make a softer bar vs. extract so be sure to press them in the pan firmly.
Recipe Source: Inspired by Rachel Ray
