Strawberry Granola Squares

By khoglan1

Ingredients

• 3 c old-fashioned oats
• 2 c slivered almonds
• 1/4 c wheat germ (or flax seed)
• 1 t orange peel
• 1 c brown rice syrup
• 1/4 c honey
• 1 t vanilla
• 1 t salt
• 2 c chopped strawberries, excess liquid drained*
• additional add-in ideas: 2 T seeds (sesame, sunflower…); shaved dark chocolate

Details

Servings 15
Adapted from fresh365online.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F.

On a baking sheet, combine the oats, nuts and wheat germ. Transfer to oven, and bake 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time. Transfer to a bow, and stir in orange peel. Reduce heat to 300F.

In a small saucepan, combine brown rice syrup, honey, vanilla and salt, over low heat. Cook 5-7 minutes, until hot and liquid. Pour over oat mixture, and stir until well combined. Gently stir in strawberries.

Spoon mixture into a 9”x13” non-stick (or parchment-lined) baking pan. Spread evenly, and press firmly into the pan. Transfer to oven, and bake for 40-45 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow pan to completely cool, and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze individual squares.

* I used fresh strawberries, which results in a square which is a bit crumbly. Dried fruit works great if you are looking for a crunchier bar. Just allow less cooking time if you substitute dried fruit.