Friends & Family Series: Terri's Allergen Friendly Homemade Granola Bars

Hi guys!  I'm on vacation right now so I've asked my friend's and family to step in while I'm away!  Each day that I am gone, I will be sharing a recipe from one of my friends or family members.  I started this project with no clear goals, I was just hoping to fill a few of the recipe gaps while I was away.  I received an overwhelming response from everyone, and I am truly honoured and excited to be able to share with you so many great recipes made by so many of my favourite people!  Please enjoy their recipes and be sure to leave them comments at the end of their posts! 
Today's post is brought to you by my cousin Terri.  She was the maid of honour at my wedding and is one of my favourite family members.  She is the sweetest person you could ever meet and she married a guy just as sweet as her!  They have two adorable children that look exactly like mini version of them!  Due to her children's dietary restrictions, Terri has become extremely conscious of the ingredients that she feeds her family - she is the first person that I ask my allergen questions and if she doesn't have an answer for me, her circle of mom friends surely will!  She was the person who introduced me to overnight oats, and has a ton of healthy, and delicious recipes that she makes for her family.  Her husband Adam is a bit of a shutterbug, so he took these amazing photos of her yummy dish!  I am really looking forward to making them!  
 

My son’s allergies forced me to start reading ingredients - something I had never really done before!  Although it was difficult at first, I know that we eat healthier because I am so aware of what goes into our meals.  The basic recipe is mostly allergen friendly and my family loves it.  These are great to take to playdates or just to snack on at home.  If you have an egg allergy, you can replace the egg with a banana or egg replacer.  My kids love them with chocolate chips but we have made them with apple pie spice, gingerbread spice and cinnamon.

I highly recommend using a Silicone baking mat to prevent the bars from sticking to your pan; oh and making a double batch!

Allergen Friendly Homemade Granola Bars

2 ½  cups rolled oats (GF if needed)

½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed

1 cup GF flour mix or whole wheat flour

½ cup honey

1 egg

½ cup applesauce

2 tsp GF vanilla extract

Optional ingredients:

-          1 tsp cinnamon or apple pie spice & ¾ cup raisins

-          ¾ cup of chocolate chips, coconut or chopped nuts

1.       Preheat oven to 350F.  Place Silicone baking mat in baking sheet or generously grease 9x13 baking pan.

2.       Mix oats, brown sugar & flour in a large bowl.  Add in any “extras” that you would like.  Make a well in the dry ingredients and set aside.

3.       In a separate bowl, mix together honey, egg, applesauce and vanilla extract. 

4.       Add wet to dry and mix well.

5.       Bake 25-30 minutes or until starting to brown on the edges.

6.       Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes; “cut” into granola bar shape while still warm (it’s much easier when they are warm)

Terri Komar, Leader

Epicure Selections Independent Consultant

780 484 9590

terri.komar@outlook.com

www.terrikomar.myepicure.com