I'm pretty partial to things that start with a stick of butter. (When did I turn into Paula Deen? Does anyone remember? I think it might have been June.) But I also have a healthy appreciation for things that are...well, healthy, and I was still willing to give these a whirl.
Tip of the Day: Wheat germ often comes pre-toasted in jars - if that is what you purchase, you can exclude it from the toasting (otherwise it will simply burn) and add it in when you mix everything together.
Recipe: (adapted from Alton Brown)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup sliced almonds or rice krispies
1/2 cup wheat germ
6 ounces (1/2 cup) honey
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 1/2 ounces chopped dried fruit
Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ (and almonds if you're using) on a baking pan. Toast on 350 F for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While it toasts, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
Remove the oat mixture from the oven, and immediately add it to the liquid ingredients, adding the rice krispies if using, and the dried fruit. Stir to combine well.
Pour the mixture out into a greased 9x9 inch pan and press down gently to create an even height. Bake on 300 F (note the temperature change) for 25 minutes.
Cool completely before cutting into squares.
While it toasts, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
Remove the oat mixture from the oven, and immediately add it to the liquid ingredients, adding the rice krispies if using, and the dried fruit. Stir to combine well.
Pour the mixture out into a greased 9x9 inch pan and press down gently to create an even height. Bake on 300 F (note the temperature change) for 25 minutes.
Cool completely before cutting into squares.
DELICIOUS! I made these using freeze-dried strawberries and dark chocolate chips – thanks for a fabulous recipe!
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