Day 2 - Bars - Granola, Cereal, 'Health', Protein - Look at the Label

It can be overwhelming to change our eating habits.
Everywhere we turn we hear about something else that's not good for us or something that we should be eating that we're not or something new that's linked with cancer or, or, or.....

WE DO NOT NEED MORE STRESS IN OUR LIVES! Agree? Agreed!

But wait! That's why you're reading this blog.

It's simple.

It's free.

It allows you to keep living the way you are.

(I picked up one of Martha Stewart's Simple Living magazines at the dentist's

office the other day.  Martha has a bit of a different take on 'simple' and 'living'

than I.  I'm guessing her take on 'free' would be as well :)  At the end of the week,

we'll look at these three words and try to come to a consensus as to their meaning 

in this blog without offending Martha fans :)

WE ARE MAKING CHANGES ONE STEP AT A TIME :)

We have found out that hydrolyzed protein is in many things in our cupboards(thanks for the messages everyone).  Soya sauce is not one of the things for which I'm going to attempt to find an alternative.  

WE ARE GIVING UP SOYA SAUCE.

Where else did we find hydrolyzed protein? In our packages of granola and cereal bars.

In our favourite protein bar that we keep handy for an instant satisfying snack on the run.

We don't want to give these up!  Have no fear.  There are many brands that don't have

hydrolyzed protein.  Eat the ones you have left - they haven't killed you yet - & be prepared 

to read the labels on your next trip to the grocery store.

WE ARE READING LABELS ON ALL GRANOLA, CEREAL, PROTEIN, 

OR ANY OTHER KIND OF BARS WE WANT TO BUY.

I've had to give up many packaged items and over the years have replaced them with my

own homemade options.  So, here's today's offering: 

 Hearty Healthy Granola Bars(gluten free)

You'll want: A baking sheet &/or an 8X10 pan, a coffee grinder, a small pot, a large bowl, 

a wooden spoon, wax paper, an apron(because I think it's fun to bake with an apron on)

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Baking Sheet      -   2 cups oats

or 8 X 10 pan     -  3/4 cups wheat germ

                           -   3/4 cups raw sunflower seeds

                           -  1 cup crushed peanuts(allergy? substitute another nut or seed)

Toast in oven 10 to 12 minutes.   In the meantime...... 

Simmer in pan       - 1/2 cup brown sugar

for 5 to 8 min.       -  1/2 cup honey
                                (as local as possible to boost the system of allergy sufferers)

                              -  4 T. butter

                              - 1/2 t. salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and fold in 8 oz. of dried fruit

(I like cranberries, currants, fig or date pieces) 

Read the label: no sulphites please!

Line the 8 X 10 pan with wax paper. Press the mixture in. 
Cover in wax paper & press flat. Wait 2 to 3 hours then cut.

I reuse the wax paper by cutting it into pieces to wrap the bars.  

Cut them into whatever size you like - rectangles, squares - big or small.

Enjoy these bars packed with fibre & protein(that's not been hydrolyzed :)


Source:
http://www.joyfulabode.com/2008/04/11/homemade-granola-bar-recipe-no-high-fructose-corn-syrup-in-these-bars/ 
I adjusted and put less brown sugar.