homemade granola bars

From my place in a chocolate centered universe, I considered that some people might mind that this gift is (gasp!) chocolate free, but I have learned that not everyone likes chocolate. Really, it’s true. So while either of these granola recipes stand on their own, if you really feel you must, oh, I don’t know, put lipstick on a pig, feel free to add chocolate kisses or Lindt truffles or chocolate coins (coins pictured are from Trader Joe’s – they have a great selection of holiday candy) to ease your mind. I package these treats in a variety of ways, tins, cello bags, parchment paper, waxed paper bags – get creative, use what you have on hand and top it with some ric rac or ribbon and a card. Add tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you have a lovely gift.

From years past, here are my two favorite granola recipes – be sure to head over to Pragmatic Mom‘s blog to see her spin on gifting granola.

Homemade Granola Bars from Barefoot Contessa (Back to Basics)

and

Flour Bakery + Cafe Granola Bars

Martha Stewart had some adorable packaging ideas (what else is new?) on Facebook today.Love the envelope – of course Martha has stamps that match the food inside (chocolate and hazelnut) and, yes, it is a brittle disguised as a candy bar (in case you are not buying my whole granola thing).

The 12 Days of Shopping

Dec 1: Make Your Own Gifts Granola, Day 1 of 12 Days of Shopping – Granola versus Homemade and Personal – Granola from Flour and Barefoot Contessa.

Dec 2: Kids Make Gifts CRAFT (ModPodge versus Clove Fruit)

Dec 3: Personalized Gifts (Fancy Address Stampers versus Pretty Papers Giveaway)

Dec 4: Father-in-Law/Dad and Mother-in-Law/Mom

Dec 5: Tutors/Teachers

Dec 6: High Tech/Low Tech

Dec 7: Hostess/Gifts That Give Back

Dec 8: Sanitation Engineers, Mail Carriers, Hairdresser, Delivery People, Babysitter, Cleaning People, Dog Walker/Dog Trainer, etc. (a.k.a. who else did I forget?) and Emily Post’s Etiquette on this subject.

Dec 9: Husband, Me (Our Own Wacko List); Capability:Mom Husband/Wife

Dec 10: Dog/Cat

Dec 11: Quick Gifts from Whole Foods versus Gourmet Food Store

Dec 12: ‘Cause I Am So Together, Last Minute Home Made Gifts: Pragmatic Mom and Capability : Mom

December 1, 2012 by Nancy | 10 Comments

…because that is how I roll. Here’s the scoop – Pragmatic Mom and I brainstormed (translation – got all sugared and hopped up on coffee at L’Aroma) the other day and decided to help out with the 12 Days of Shopping for those hard to find/fit/figure out people on your list – pretty much everyone and you are welcome! It started out as five days but Pragmatic Mom scheduled it out and it is now twelve. Added bonus for you – good thing she takes great notes and is super-organized! See Pragmatic Mom‘s post here about Nigella Lawson’s granola – really delicious, and from what I have been told, a coveted teacher gift.

If you don’t believe that a granola bar can be absolutely delicious then you have clearly not tried these. Let’s be blunt, I like anything chocolate and donuts so I am no healthy dessert person but these are fabulous – and there is no chocolate in them – go figure!

I give them stacked in a plain brown coffee bag (from The Container Store) or in clear cellophane bags (Container Store, Target) or even in a Holiday Tumbler like this one from Target. If you want to add a fun simple craft project, have your children decorate the bags with stickers or crayon drawings. Truly charming. This is a favorite gift if you are going to a friend’s house for coffee, for a teacher gift or to have on hand for a last-minute gift.

I pick up boxes of my favorite tea (usually TAZO) but there are tons of great teas to choose from – include some of your favorites. L’Aroma Cafe is my go-to for tea and tea related presents. Don’t worry if the intended recipient isn’t a “tea person” – it is the holiday season and it is always nice to on hand for an unexpected get-together or drop-in guests! $capability mom fills these 1/2 lb coffee bags with delicious treats for holiday gifts like granola bar (homemade, of course) and assorted teas.\ Barefoot Contessa Granola Bars an dTeas from TAZO are particular favorites.$

Homemade Granola Bars from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, 2008, All Rights Reserved

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal

1 cup sliced almonds (use what you like – my family does not care for coconut so that is out for them – I have substituted nuts and dried fruit for what is on hand – still lovely)

1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Homemade Granola Bars

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ. (I have also added flax seed or anything else that I like – sesame seeds, poppy seeds – it’s all good).

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium
heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and
cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into
squares. Serve at room temperature.

Check in for more ideas:

Sat, Dec 11: Kids Make Gifts CRAFT (ModPodge versus Clove Fruit)

Sun, Dec 12: Personalized Gifts

Mon, Dec 13: Father-in-Law/Dad and Mother-in-Law/Mom

Tue, Dec 14: Tutors/Teachers

Wed, Dec 15: High Tech/Low Tech

Thu, Dec 16: Hostess/Doing Good and Getting Something

Fri, Dec 17: Sanitation Engineers, Mail Carriers, Hairdresser, Delivery People, Babysitter, Cleaning People, Dog Walker/Dog Trainer

Sat, Dec 18: Husband, Me (Our Own Wacko List)

Sun, Dec 19: Dog/Cat

Mon, Dec 20: Quick Gifts from Whole Foods versus Gourmet Food Store

Tue, Dec 21: ‘Cause I Am So Together, Last Minute Home Made Gifts

December 10, 2010 by Nancy | 16 Comments

Gifting Granola – Day 1 of the 12 Days of Shopping

From years past, here are my two favorite granola recipes – be sure to head over to Pragmatic Mom‘s blog to see her spin on gifting granola.