I don't know why, but I have had the worst craving for granola bars lately.
Most granola bars contain gluten, so that means they are out for me. I have taken a liking to a couple gluten free varieties, but you have to really watch the sugar levels in the nutrition info. My favorite brand is "All-But-Gluten" and my second favorite is "Enviro-Kidz". Both can be found at Walmart.
Though these are great when on-the-go, gluten free granola bars can be really expensive (like 4-5 dollars per box). On a student budget I find it's sometimes easier to make my own 'packaged' types of food.
I love peanut butter and was looking for a high-protein snack so one variety I made is peanut butter. The other, of course, since it's autumn and I have a ton of pumpkin in my fridge, is pumpkin spice.
These are super tasty. The batter was good on it's own! The best part is I have tried and tested making them on a piece of wax paper on my dorm room floor, so I know it is possible for EVERYONE.
Before getting started I should note not to be afraid to experiment with these. If the consistency isn't right I just rearrange the mixture a bit (it's really difficult to mess these up). ;)
Also, if you want to shape them into bars rather than bites, just place the mix in an 8"x8" square baking dish or pan, chill, and then slice into bars. Good luck and enjoy!
For Peanut Butter Energy Bites
You will need:
1 cup gluten free oats
1 medium-sized extra ripe banana (make sure it is ripe...it's difficult to mix if it's not soft)
2 tsp. ground flax
1 small handful of raisins
1 small handful of unsweetened coconut
3 heaping tbsp. of organic peanut butter (or nut butter of your choice)
1. Put all ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl
2. Stir/mash together the ingredients with a fork. (They may seem dry, but the more you stir, the more the oats soak up the moist ingredients)
3. One the mix is stirred well and at desired consistency, scoop tbsp.'s full and squeeze firmly in hand to make dense before rolling into balls.
4. Place on wax paper (or in containers) and refrigerate...or freeze for a delicious frozen treat
For Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
You will need:
1 cup gluten free oats
1 medium-sized extra ripe banana (make sure it is ripe...it's difficult to mix if it's not soft)
2 tsp. ground flax
1 small handful of raisins
1 small handful of unsweetened coconut
3 heaping tbsp. of pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 packet of Truvia
1. Put all ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl
2. Stir/mash together the ingredients with a fork. (They may seem dry, but the more you stir, the more the oats soak up the moist ingredients)
3. One the mix is stirred well and at desired consistency, scoop tbsp.'s full and squeeze firmly in hand to make dense before rolling into balls. - This is especially important since the pumpkin will make these bites extra moist
4. Place on wax paper (or in containers) and refrigerate...or freeze for a delicious frozen treat
