DIY Granola Bars
For those nights when you get home hungry, stressed, and impatient, Hangry is here to help. Each week, Kendra Vaculin will share quick, exciting meals that anyone can make — whether you’re in your first apartment or feeding a hangry family.
Today: A sticky, satisfying snack made from the assorted goods you shoveled into a bag from the bulk bins at your local supermarket.
I love supermarkets, but I feel unbridled adoration for bulk bin aisles especially. There is something very satisfying about scooping stuff into bags (see also: pick-and-mix candy stores, my truest love and biggest weakness). Something about getting exactly the amount of an ingredient that you need, so you don’t end up with 7/8 of a box of nutritional yeast that sits in your pantry for all of eternity. Something about 15 types of raisins in a row. Something about paying absurdly less for quinoa than the same amount available in a pre-packaged box. I imagine it is the general store, and for this pound of almonds that I shoveled from a barrel I am trading in a live chicken. Probably that is not historically accurate, but this is a daydream I am having in Whole Foods, frozen in front of the dried mango with a scooper in my hand, deep in reverie, naming my imaginary horse. Anachronism is the least of my concerns.
For example, maybe I should get out of everyone’s way.
Also, it is possible that I just need a snack.
One trip to your nearest bulk bin aisle is all you need to make these addictively crunchy bars, and it takes very little time to turn a shopping basket full of twist-tied bags into a snack you can feel good about. The recipe is endlessly adaptable, so if you’re not down with cherries, all 15 types of raisins are fair game. Try not to eat all of the sticky mixture straight from the bowl.
Makes 20 bars
1 1/2 cups oats
3/4 cup whole almonds
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup pepitas
1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1/3 cup ground flax seed
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 cup almond butter
Line a baking tin or dish (mine was 10 x 14 inches with wax paper so that it extends over the edge.
Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add honey, almond butter, and apple sauce, and combine until a big gloppy clump is formed.
Dump sticky mess into the baking dish, and flatten and spread with the back of a wooden spoon. Freeze overnight. Die with anticipation. Stop peeking at it.
Remove from freezer and cut into bars! These are best stored in the fridge in a tupperware, with layers separated by wax paper. Keep one in your purse for 2 PM…and maybe another for 4:45…8:30…midnight…breakfast the next day…second breakfast…and so on.
