Frites et Chocolat

Tired of buying box after box of granola bars at the market, I wondered just how difficult it would be to make them at home myself. Bulk ingredients are cheap — and have a multitude of uses — and I already have the necessary hardware in my kitchen. I decided to whip up a batch of chocolate-covered granola bars for the family. The results were a resounding success.

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats – not ‘instant oatmeal’
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds, ground almonds or toasted wheat germ
• 1/2 cup pitted dates, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup rapadura sugar
• 2/3 cup raw honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• Chocolate ganache

Method

Set oven to 300F. Line a 9×13 dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl combine oats, walnuts and flax seed and dates.

On the stovetop combine all other ingredients, except ganache, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for another 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened. Mix in oats, walnuts and flax seed mixture.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread evenly and press down well. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly; top with chocolate ganache. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Granola bars will keep in an airtight container for up to one week.