I wanted to be in the kitchen so I asked the mr what he wanted me to make him. Anything he wanted, like a cake, or cookies, or donuts.
He asked for granola bars. (so cute)
I think the reason that he requested granola bars was that he knew I wanted to test out the golden syrup that I brought back from Ireland and I had mentioned that I was going to make myself some granola. (not him, me) but I went with it. And really, I was excited to bust out the golden syrup.
Now what kind of granola bars was the question, but I didn't even ask him I just went with tahini chocolate chip. Tahini cause its amazing, chocolate chips because, just because. And the golden syrup. The bit of research that I have done on golden syrup had told me that this stuff is like glue (it really is) and that it can be used in lu of other binders that I would normally add to granola bars (like dates) It is pure can sugar that has been turned into a thick, golden syrup (hence the name) and has a more nutty, earthy flavor then just sugar, which went together quite nicely with the oats ans tahini in these bars. (next thing to try it with.. rice crispy treats!)
So I got some kitchen time, the bars where made, the syrup was used, the mr was happy.
Win win win. WIN!
The stuff. Oats, tahini, golden syrup, cinnamon, sesame seeds, chocolate chips, and sea salt. Not a whole lot of stuff and nothing else is needed. But if you are feeling it, add some more. (cranberries, chopped dates, coconut, some nuts)
In a big bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, sesame seed and chocolate chips.
In a separate (microwave safe) bowl or jar mix together the golden syrup and the tahini. Stick it in the microwave for 15 seconds, take it out, stir it, then another stick it in for another 15 seconds. You just want the mixture to be runny. Another way you could do this is on the stove top or, Like me, place jar in the oven and stir until loose. (I don't have a microwave and I didn't want to dirty a pot)
Pour the warm mixture into the oat mixture and stir until all the oats and stuff are all coated.
Dump the mixture into a parchment lined pan and press it down as hard as you can with your hands or a bottom of a glass
And optional, but really good, sprinkle the top with sea salt. (do not use table salt)
Now here is the deal. You can do one of two things. If you want a chewer granola bar, place these bars in the fridge for at least an hour until they set up and call them done. For a cruncher bar, stick the granola into the oven for a little bit to give them a slightly crunchier texture
I tossed my into the oven, just for like 12 minutes, just to give them a little color and a bit of crunch. (the longer you leave them in there, the harder and crunchier they become)
Pulled from the oven, chillin out and waiting to be cut.
And piled high. a stack of bars, awaiting a mouth to eat them.
What a bar. The mr is a lucky guy.
Happy day to you!
-C
Tahini Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
makes 8 Bars
- 3 cups oats (gluten free if needed)
- 1/3 heaping cup golden syrup (can be bought at some grocery stores but can be found online as well)
- 1/3 heaping cup tahini
- teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2-1 cup of chocolate chips
- a few pinches of sea salt(optional)
Note. Feel free to add more mix ins if you want (nuts, coconut, dried fruit) just don't add more then another 1/2 cup of stuff.
In a large bowl toss together the oats, cinnamon, sesame seeds and chocolate chips. In a separate microwave safe bowl (or a pot), combine the golden syrup and the tahini. Place in microwave for 15 second increments, stirring in between until the mixture is loose and pourable. (or heat on stove on low heat until pourable)
Add tahini mixture into oat mixture and mix until all the oats are evenly coated. Dump into a parchment lined, 9x9 inch baking pan and evenly press the granola down as hard as you can with either your hands or a bottom of a glass (or whatever) Sprinkle the top with sea salt.
And now you have two decide if you want a more chewy granola bar or or a slightly crunchier bar. For a chewier one, stick the pan into the fridge for at least an hour until they firm up. For a but more crunch,. place bars in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350, just until they get a slight golden brown and a little bit of crunch on top. Remove from oven and let cool.
Once bars are ready, remove from pan, grab a knife, cut into bars (or whatever shape you want) and eat them. Store extra in an airtight container (raw ones in the fridge, baked ones are ok on the counter)