Snack

No Bake Granola Bars

Lately, the kids have been wanting granola bars for snacks, so we picked a box up a the grocery store. Of course during BLIZZARD 2015 we ran out. Of course, this was a problem. So we made our own. These bars pack in a good bit of nutrition and energy. Perfect for heading out in the cold-blustery mess for some chores. As usual, a few photos and then the recipe at the end of the post. I hope you stay warm this weekend!
And… if you like peanut butter and chocolate, come back next week for a recipe that tastes like cookie dough but is packed with protein and good stuff. (AND chocolate chips!) I sent a bag of these PB Power Balls with my Dad to put in his truck for the long days ahead! The kids are eating them up too.

Anyway, chores. Ahhh, yes. It was so cold. And snowy. And cold. This is our first big blast of the season, and in January… we’re lucky.

Hot-on-the-hoof, everyone was happy to get their feed. They have deep bedding in their barns/sheds. With minus-whatever temperatures, these days make me wish for a climate controlled barn. It is not easy to raise pigs outside. Thank goodness for a heated farrowing barn. (*farrowing: when mama pigs have their babies)

These girls, trying to climb into my warm pockets, evidently.

We boarded up the southern exposure of this lean to, because of the significant winds out of the south. We actually ended up boarding everything up, but small openings for access in and out, due to the extreme temperatures, snow and winds.
So helpful, these pigs are. Especially when there are ladders involved. There are no after-pictures but Cherry D. was trying to climb the ladder.

Cold bacon.

Miffed. He did not like the weather so he sat in the truck and ate beef jerky.

Since I’m full disclosure… not all blizzard selfies turn out. This is what happens when ice balls pelt your eyeballs.

I’ve put a couple of these granola bars in the truck, they keep well in the cold temps.

Adapted loosely from “Cherry Almond Granola Bars” from Iowa Girl Eats
Makes one 9×13 pan of granola bars, roughly 14-16 bars

Ingredients:
4 TBSP butter or coconut oil
1 TBSP olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 C honey
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 C regular rolled oats
1 1/2 C roasted salted almonds, roughly chopped
1 C pecan pieces or pecan halves, roughly chopped
1 C shredded coconut, could be unsweetened or sweetened
1 C dried cherries, roughly chopped (this equals one 5 oz. bag) *Next time I’m going to use more cherries.
1/4 C chia seeds *these definitely found a way to get stuck in my teeth-annoying!
1/4 C sesame seeds
1 1/2 C mini chocolate chips

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine butter, oil, honey, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Bring to a boil, and let boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almonds, coconut, cherries, chia and sesame seeds. Fluff to combine.
3. Remove ½ of the mixture and place into a food processor bowl. Process until mixture is fine, but use caution, because if you process this mixture too long the oils from the nuts will turn this into a paste… not good! Best bet: Pulse and check. (*This tip from Iowa Girl Eats has made my granola bars SO MUCH BETTER. It makes them stick together so well. Thank you IGE!)
4. Add the processed mixture back to the large mixing bowl. Stir both mixtures together again to incorporate evenly.
5. Add cooled liquid mixture to the large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly coated, then add chocolate chips and mix well.
6. Press into an aluminum foil or parchment lined 9×13 pan.
7. Freeze for 2 hours or refrigerate for 4-5 hours until firm.
8. Remove from refrigerator/freezer and pull parchment or foil at edges to release bars. Place on flat counter and cut as desired. Wrap individually in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator, will keep for up 5-6 days.