Thursday, January 3, 2008

The joy of Chocolate Chips


I cannot tell you how addicted I have become to the chocolate chip. I pretty much can't settle on a dessert that doesn't incorporate my little brown friend. My husband and I have discovered a ridiculous recipe for "chewy granola bars" in Vegetarian Times Magazine. There are a few details I have added just in case you are allergic to nuts or cannot find some ingredients on the list. So FAR from healthy, these granola bars will grab and run away FAST with your willpower. You have been warned, but please ignore it.

CHEWY GRANOLA BARS


Vegetarian Times Issue: July 1, 2007 p.78 — Member Rating: 1111
These treats will be just as tender and chewy at the end of the vacation as they were at the start (if they last that long).
Ingredient List

Makes 25 squares

* 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
* 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
* 1/2 tsp. baking soda
* 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
* 2/3 cup chopped dried apricots (I like dried cherries better)
* 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips (if you can't find mini just use regular)
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (eew, I don't add these, I am not fond of walnuts)
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup maple syrup
* 1/2 cup almond butter (if you are allergic to nuts, use soynut butter)
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 2 large egg whites (USE EGG REPLACER, you will NEVER know the difference)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Coat 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt in bowl. Stir in apricots, chocolate chips and walnuts.
3. Beat brown sugar, maple syrup, almond butter, oil and egg whites with electric beater until smooth. Stir in oat mixture.
4. Spread mixture in prepared baking dish, and pat down firmly. Sprinkle top with remaining salt. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until firm. Cool 20 minutes before slicing into bars. Unmold, and store in airtight container.

Nutritional Information

Per SQUARE: Calories: 202, Protein: 4g, Total fat: 8.5g, Carbs: 29g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 97mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 14g

1 comment:

Mama Sita said...

thank you =D these sound amazing! i am such a sucker for chocolate, the darker the better! and its nearing the holiday season so all the more reason to make sweets!