whole grains = good for the soul

Last Monday, I did a whole grain spiel for the high school kiddies. We talked about how to identify if a product is a whole grain (there's a lot of misleading food stuffs out there!), good sources of fiber, what fiber does in our bodies, what happens to a whole grain when it is refined, among other things, like how whole grains keep you fuller for longer, which helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Oh, and for the record, saying "poop" in front of high schoolers definately works if you need to get their attention.

And then we made homemade granola bars to celebrate whole grain goodness! My friend and fellow MPHer, Mita, and I came up with this recipe during our food service rotation at Dexter School System. We tested it out on Dexter High's finest guinea pigs...erm, I mean students...and we got rave reviews from them! The students on Monday also confirmed to the deliciousness of this granola bar, so I'd say that this recipe is a winner. The great part about these granola bars is that you can mix and match ingredients to make a different recipe every time! Some other delicious additions include:

Dried cranberries
Walnuts
Almonds
Diced dried apricots
White chocolate chips
Carob chips
Almond extract (instead of vanilla)

These granola bars are great for a quick and easy breakfast as you're racing out the door. They're a scrumptious pseudo-energy bar, as well. They also can be dipped into nutritious things like yogurt, Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese. Top one with fruit! Zap it in the microwave! (This will make it warm and cookie-like). Use your imagination!

Chocolate-y Raisin Granola Bars

3 cups oatmeal

½ cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup brown sugar

½ cup raisins, chopped
½ cup chocolate chips, chopped

2 tsp. cinnamon

¾ tsp. salt

1 egg, beaten

½ cup canola oil

½ cup applesauce

2 tsp. vanilla extract

½ cup honey

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, raisins, chocolate chips, cinnamon, and salt.

Make a well in the center, and pour in the egg, oil, applesauce, vanilla, and honey. Mix well.

Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, 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. DEVOUR.