Vitamix Granola Bars

"Granola bars" were invented by Stanley Mason and have become popular as a snack. Granola bars are usually identical to the normal form of granola in composition, but differ vastly in shape: Instead of a loose, breakfast cereal consistency, granola bars are pressed and baked into a bar shape, resulting in the production of a more convenient snack. The product is most popular in the United States and Canada, parts of southern Europe, Brazil, South Africa and Japan. Recently, Granola has begun to expand its market into India and other southeast Asian countries.

A variety of the granola bar is the "chewy granola bar." In this form, the time during which the oats are baked is either shortened or cut out altogether; this gives the bar a texture that is chewier than that of a traditional granola bar.

Yield: 12 Bars Ingredients 1/4 cup (50 g) wheat berries or 1/2 cup (60 g) whole wheat flour

1/4 cup (28 g) wheat germ

1/2 cup (70 g) raw almonds

1 cup (155 g) oats

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoon honey or agave nectar

1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries

1 medium apple, seeded, cubed or 1 cup (244 g) unsweetened applesauce

Directions 1. Place wheat berries, wheat germ, almonds and oats into the Vitamix dry blade container and secure lid. 2. Select Variable 1. 3. Turn machine on and slowly increase to speed to Variable 10, then to High. 4. Blend for 40 seconds. Turn machine off. Pour out into bowl. 5. Place apple into the Vitamix dry blade container and secure lid. 6. Select Variable 1. 7. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. 8. Use the tamper to press the apple into the blades. 9. Blend for 40 seconds or until consistency of applesauce. 10. Pour into bowl with dry ingredients. Add salt, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and cranberries to mixture. 11. Stir by hand until moistened. Spread into greased 8x8 pan. 12. Bake for 25 minutes in a 350F (180C) oven.

Notes: If using wheat berries, blend for 45-60 seconds in step 4.

Health Classification: Diabetic Friendly, Low Sodium, Low Cholesterol, Heart Healthy, Vegetarian, Vegan

Meal Type: Breads/Dry Ingredients

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 bar Amount Per Serving Calories 118   % Daily Value* Total Fat 3g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 42mg Total Carbohydrate 20g Dietary Fiber 3g Sugars 7g Protein 4g *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on you calorie needs: Calories: 2000 2500 Total Fat Less than 65g 80g Sat Fat Less than 20g 25g Cholesterol Less than 300mg 300mg Sodium Less than 2,400mg 2,400mg Total Carbohydrate 300g 375g Dietary Fiber 25g 30g Calories per gram: Fat 9 Carbohydrate 4 Protein 4