OATS GRANOLA HEARTS/HOMEMADE ENERGY BARS

These homemade energy bars (hearts) are not only very healthy, also very tasty. These energy bars are so dense in nutrition and a small piece goes long way.

Are these crisp or chewy, sweet or fruity? It is this mixture of flavors and textures that make the Granola Hearts a treat for kids!

I made this for my husband for his work break and kids for before school snack.
Every time I am worried about my kids, as they don’t have time in the morning for breakfast.This is a quick morning snack which powers them up.

I decorated with dark chocolate for my kids are chocolate lovers.

It keeps them guessing with every bite, loaded with fiber and protein rich oats and cornflakes, dates, nutritious dry fruits and nuts, all bound together with caramelized sugar.

Recipe courtesy.Tarla Dalal ji

INGREDIENTS :

3/4 cup quick cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, and cashew-nuts)
2 tbsp melon seeds (charmagaz)
3/4 cup crushed corn flakes
1 tbsp raisins (kismish)
1/4 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp oil for greasing

 

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Combine the oats, mixed nuts and melon seeds in a broad non-stick pan and dry roast them on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Keep aside to cool.
2. When cooled, add the cornflakes, raisins, and dates and mix well. Keep aside.
3. Combine the sugar along with 1 tbsp of water in a broad non-stick pan and cook on a high flame for 10 to 12 minutes or till the sugar caramelizes, while stirring continuously.
4. Remove from the flame, add the oats-cornflour mixture and mix well.
5. Pour this mixture on to a greased marble or stone surface or a barfi trey.
6. Using a large greased rolling pin, roll it out lightly.
7. While it is still warm, cut out heart shape bars.
8. Decorate this hear bars with melted dark chocolate.
9. Store in an air-tight container.

 

NOTES:

• The Orignal recipe does not have dates, I have added them.
• Sugar burns very quickly, so give it your full attention.
• Grease your hands, the marble top, and the rolling pin generously with oil.
• Store the homemade energy bars at room temperature in an airtight container. It keeps well for a week. You can store it in the fridge if you make the double batch.
• You can use raw nuts or briefly toast the nuts for more flavor. You can use any dry fruit and nuts of your choice.
• I have not used any fat like coconut oil or butter etc. It is really not needed.