Granola Bars

I have made this bars several times, each time varying what I put in it.  I also like to free pour the maple syrup and brown sugar.  You can make these bars to your specific tastes, and include or exclude anything you don't like.

•1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
•1/2 cup (125 mL) maple syrup
•1/4 cup (50 mL) packed brown sugar
•2 1/2 cups (625 mL) rolled oats (not quick, instant or one-minute)
•1/3 cup (75 mL) wheat germ or bran
•2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla
•1 tsp (5 mL) finely grated orange rind
•1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
•1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
•1/3 cup (75 mL) dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries, or finely chopped apricots, figs and/or pitted dates)

1.Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch (2.5-L) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch (2.5-cm) overhang on two sides so you can easily lift the baked bars out of the pan.

2.In a large saucepan, heat butter, maple syrup and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 1 minute; remove saucepan from heat. Stir in oats, wheat germ, vanilla, orange rind, cinnamon and salt until well combined. Stir in dried fruit until well combined.

3.Spread mixture evenly in pan, pressing down firmly using base of a measuring cup. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until a deep golden colour. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Once cooled, use parchment to lift to a cutting board; cut into bars with a large serrated knife. (Save any crumbs; they’re delicious sprinkled over yogurt or fruit.) Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20 bars, and takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish.

DELICIOUS!

Whole Wheat Crackers

WHOLE WHEAT CRACKERS

3 1/4 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c flaxseed
1/2 c wheat germ
1/2 tsp salt
1 c water
1/3 c olive oil
salt or other spice to sprinkle

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix first 6 ingredients together (I like to use my kitchen aid mixer). Do not overmix. Divide dough into 4 sections. Take each section and roll it as thin as you can get and to roughly the size of a cookie sheet - when you think it's thin enough, roll it some more to get it even thinner. Try to get it roughly as thick as Wheat Thins would be. It's helpful to roll the dough on parchment paper and then place the dough and paper together onto a cookie sheet to bake. Prick dough randomly with a fork. Using a knife, lightly score the dough into squares or rectangles. Sprinkle with salt or your preferred spice and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they're browned and crispy. When they're cooled break them apart along the scored lines and enjoy!

Other spices I like to use:
Paprika, Garlic, Thyme, Savory.  Also, it's fun to use parm (not fresh), or the Kraft Cheddar (think Kraft Dinner cheese).



*Tip: Tap the crackers with a fork to make sure they're crispy. If they're not, bake them for another few minutes and check again.

Pita Chips

So I'm a snacker.  I love crunchy snacks.  Chips are probably my most favorite snack and I can easily polish off a large bag before I realize I have.  I'm trying to gear my taste buds away from the delicious treats, but I can't.  I will always be a potato chip person.

I've recently discovered the delicious Pita Chip.  I like them because (1) I can make them at home with ingredients that are lying around (2) they are healthier; and (3) I find that after I cook and clean, I'm not all that hungry anymore.

Here is one of my favorite ways to make Pita Chips:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Ready In: 17 minutes

INGREDIENTS
3-4 pita bread pockets
1/4 cup olive oil  (I like Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bertolli)
1 teaspoon of Oregano
1.5 teaspooon of garlic powder
1/2 paprika
Parmesean Cheese to taste (works best with powdered cheese & not fresh)

..DIRECTIONS

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.Cut each pita bread into triangles and seperate them (split pocket open/in half).
3.In a small bowl, combine the all ingredients. Brush each triangle with oil.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy. Watch carefully, as they tend to burn easily!

These are delicious on their own or with dip.