TJ’s Nutty Bits and an Impromptu Granola Bar

I recently stumbled across these “nutty bits” from Trader Joe’s, a variety of delicious tree nuts are covered in 60% dark chocolate and sea salt, kinda tastes like toffee. They were great, but I had to find a way to make them healthier so I could eat them more often :3.

Now they’re not terrible for you, but my ideal granola bar would definitely consist of more natural ingredients. I decided to use local raw wildflower honey, brown rice syrup, and unrefined coconut oil for the wet base. These “nutty bits” took a turn in the granola bite direction as there was too much wet mix in the end. I figured adding in some oats wouldn’t hurt, thus granola bar. The sugars from the honey and brown rice syrup were enough for me so I created these sans chocolate coating, but added in some cacao nibs instead. Feel free to add in chocolate chips, or even dip ’em in chocolate for a more dessert-type bar if you please.

I would love to add hemp seeds in here, feel free to do so if you are so fortunate to have ’em. Same goes with cereal, dried fruit, coconut flakes, or other crunchy delight that pleases your senses. I used a combination of walnuts, almonds, and pepitas, but any nuts shall suffice in this treat.

These make a great little energy-providing snack, perfect for bike rides or a treat between a hectic day on campus.

Thanks to the coconut oil, they kinda melt in your mouth as you chew ’em. A nice, crunchy and melty snack I suppose.

Sweet & salty & supa tasty.

I have been wanting to post this recipe for quite some time but haven’t had much time lately :/. Exciting new and busy first semester of my food science & human nutrition degree. && Oh organic chem. has definitely settled in and made itself cozy in my life…

Ingredients:

Dry:

3/4 cup almonds

3/4 walnuts, halved

2/3 cup pepitas

1/4 cup sesame seeds

2 tbsp chia seeds

1/2-1 cup old-fashioned oats (more or less on preference and for wet/dry balance if necessary)

1/4 cup cacao nibs or chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 tsp salt (totally optional, but adds a nice flava. I used pink himalayan salt)

Wet:

1/2 cup local honey

1 tbsp brown rice syrup

2 tbsp virgin coconut oil

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium sized bowl

2. In a small separate bowl, mix together honey, coconut oil, brown rice syrup, and vanilla.

3. Using your preferred method, slightly heat up mixture until coconut oil is melted and mixture has thinned a bit (stove top, microwave, or double boiler method all shall work). Heat on low and watch carefully, as to not overheat the mixture.

4. Pour honey mixture over nuts and mix until all is coated

5. Transfer wet nut mixture into a 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper and spread evenly/press down mixture into pan

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Oats should be toasty, slightly brown.

7. Top with more cacao nibs (this way you eat them raw. Optional) Press mixture down with a spatula once out of oven. It will harden up as it cools!!! (Esp. in the fridge)

8. Let cool and place in fridge. Cut into squares/shapes when desired.

9. Store in a air-tight container in the fridge. They last really well and get better overtime.

Enjoy friends