I set out on a journey to find an alternative, and this is the recipe I have stumbled upon. It's very forgiving, and not exactly a recipe, as much as it is a starting point. I change up the additives/ingredients to suit our tastes, and change the pans I prepare it in, always looking for the next easiest option for packaging and serving.
I know some of you, ie Jessica, have issue with trying something that doesn't have a step-by-step recipe. GET OVER IT, these will still turn out fine. I promise!
2 C organic rolled oats (not the quick kind)
1 C whole wheat flour (sub white, flax meal, wheat germ, oat bran for some or all if you want)
1/2 tsp baking soda
Add random stuff you like in your granola: sunflower seeds, nuts, flax seed, sesame, chopped dried fruits, chocolate chips, poppy seeds, you get it...
Stir above to combine, and add the wet ingredients to follow:
1/3 C honey (more or less to taste, sub some brown sugar, peanut butter, molasses if you want)
1 stick melted butter
Press concoction firmly into a well greased receptacle. The size of the pan will dictate the thickness of your bars/squares/bites.
Bake at 300 degrees for 15-22 min. Time in oven directly relates to pan choice, so keep an eye on them and when the begin to brown and become fragrant, pull 'em out.
You will notice that they puffed up again. Smash the suckers back down nice and flat, give 'em 10 minutes to cool, and get them out of the pan for slicing. If you used the mini-muffin tin for bites, just leave 'em alone. To make it really easy for removal, try using a parchment sling under them in a 9x13, then cut with a pizza roller! After slicing, let cool thoroughly before moving for best results.
Store in an airtight container, or wrap individually for grab and go snacks!
Share here if you come up with any particularly delectable combos!
