Granola Bars

Today I woke up and got started on my normal routine. Brew coffee (as fast as I can), start up my computer, throw together some odd mixture of oatmeal (and a lot of things to make it more like dessert), sit down to enjoy breakfast at my computer. I usually scan over FB (my newspaper as Robert calls it), Pinterest and then always weather.com. I know that doesn't sound all that exciting, but knowing the weather for the day helps me plan out my day. Today all I can say it that weather.com was wrong. Very wrong. It called for thunder storms at 8pm. So I was a little surprised when I was several miles from my car and it started to downpour...at 5pm. At first I was a little mad at the weather prediction, but the rain really felt great. I continued my run and embraced the rain for 10 very wet miles. During my run I couldn't help but think how we all complain about working out, but it is really such a privilege. We should not say we HAVE to work out, but rather we GET to workout. Some people don't have the option to go for a jog whenever they please. Whether it be for health reasons, or because they live in a country that doesn't allow them to practice free will. So next time you don't want to get out there and sweat a little, just remember that it's a privilege to be able to workout and your body needs it. Why deny yourself something so great to boost your energy, mood and health!

Something else that you should not deny yourself is this granola bar recipe. If you have been around me in the past 2 weeks I know you have heard me rave about it. Our household of two has already consumed 3 batches of these! DELISH! I was happy to come home and find some still leftover from our latest batch after my run today. I snacked on these as I packed Robert a couple to take to work tonight. They are very filling and seem to last a pretty good while! I know I have been on a granola/granola bar kick lately, but it's just the old lady in me coming out. These are great to have for a snack, quick breakfast, or even dessert! They honestly taste like cookie bars. Here is the recipe, I hope you will try them!

Granola Bars

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup craisins 
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, craisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes (mine were definitely closer to 30 minutes) in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.

*I made several adjustments which included adding walnuts and dark chocolate chips. I also made a "healthier" batch in which I used 1/2 cup brown sugar, substituted applesauce instead of oil and used egg whites. It was definitely not the same, but still good. I would suggest making the original recipe (with the added chocolate and nuts of course) and adjust from there. I also made a batch with blueberries, cashews and white chocolate chips. You can really add whatever you prefer or have on hand. Such a great recipe to create so many different options!

Enjoy!

Granola

Hands down, easiest recipe ever! One batch is a perfect fit in these little mason jars, and makes a great homemade gift in about 10 minutes! The challenge is not eating all of the granola while it is cooling! Here is the recipe...

• 2 T creamy peanut butter
• 2 T honey
• 1/4 t vanilla
• 1/4 t cinnamon
• 1 cup quick cooking oats

1. Place honey and peanut butter in microwave safe bowl. Microwave about 20 seconds until melted and able to stir.

2. Add in vanilla and cinnamon.

3. Mix in oats. I added a handful of coconut to mine, but you can add any other mix ins here.

4. Bake at 350 about 7-8 minutes.

5. Burn your mouth eating beautiful oat clusters

6. Let cool completely.

{T= tablespoon, t= teaspoon}

Recipe compliments of pbfingers.com

Enjoy!

The New York Times Cookie

I have seen lots of rave over this chocolate chip cookie that the NY Times claims to be the number one cookie out there. I am always up for trying new ways to create great classics, such as the chocolate chip cookie. This cookie does take some planning and a few ingredients that I did not have on hand.  In the end I will say- it was worth it! Hope you enjoy!

New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour
1 2/3 cups bread flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 pounds bittersweet disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content- (I never found these so I just used semi-sweet chocolate chips)

Directions

1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.

2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.

3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.

4. Place large golf ball sized cookie dough balls onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Bake until slightly golden 18-20 minutes.