Healthy Snack: Chewy Apricot Granola Bar

Healthy Snack: Chewy Apricot Granola Bar

Healthy Snack: Chewy Apricot Granola Bar

Healthy Snack: Chewy Apricot Granola Bar

Chewy Apricot Granola Bar (Ingredients)

When it comes to snacks, Granola bars are one of my favorite healthy snack.  There is no artificial ingredient in this recipe, all you need is regular oats , dried fruits and some nuts of your preference.  It’s super easy to make and you can make few batches at one time and have it for the entire summer.These homemade granola comes out soft ,chewy, sweet and nutty.

  I have bought organic oats, organic dried fruits from  wholefoods market last week. The reason I shop for organic dried fruit is that most suppliers add sulfur dioxide to preserve the fruit and prevent discoloration and they also add extra sugar to make it sweeter. I like to avoid any chemical from my food whenever possible and fresh healthy ingredients always brings out the  best in any recipe.

As you may already know Oats contain a specific type of fiber known as beta-glucan. Health Studies have proven the beneficial effects of this special fiber on lowering cholesterol levels. Dried apricots and prunes are excellent source of soluble fiber and high in Potassium that helps maintaining a healthy blood pressure and to keep the blood sugar level stable.  Raisins contain Resveratrol, a polyphenol anti-oxidant, has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, blood cholesterol lowering activities. 

 It’s completely optional to add sugar or honey , dried fruits naturally contain enough sweetness. I have used combination of these nuts, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts in this recipe, you can use any other nuts.  Hope you enjoy this healthy snack and let me know how it turns out.

Ingredients:

          1.5 cups Quaker Old Fashioned Oats

          1/2 cup chopped nuts(walnuts, pecans, almonds)

          1/2 cup dried fruit (apricots,figs,raisins,)

          1/4 cup seeds (pumpkin )

          1 tsp cinnamon

          1 tsp kosher salt

          1.25 cups skim milk

          1 egg

          1 tsp vanilla

          1/2  cup honey or brown sugar (optional)

Directions:

1.     Preheat the oven to 350 F

2.     Mix the dry ingredients.

3.     Mix the wet ingredients.

4.     Pour wet into dry. Stir to combine.

5.     Pour into a 9×9 baking dish either coated in cooking spray or lined with parchment.

6.     Bake for 40 minutes.

7.     Cut into 9 squares.