Granola Energy Bars

Happy New Year! The first Tuesdays with Dorie recipe of 2015 is for Granola Energy Bars. This was another first for me; I had eaten many energy bars before, but I never thought I would make them. What was interesting about this recipe was that it called for Brown Rice Syrup. I had never heard of such a thing until reading this recipe. Luckily I found it pretty easily at my local grocery store alongside the honey and syrup. I had to modify the recipe a little only because I did not have a 7x11 inch baking pan (I only have a 9x13 inch pan), so I increased everything by 35%.

This recipe did not take long to put together. It threw me off a little not having to use any sugar, flour, or eggs!

First step: bake the oats and almonds.

Then it was time to add my sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds and throw everything back into the oven.

After my oats and seeds were done, it was time to add my dried fruits.

 I added the butter and brown rice syrup, coating the oats, seeds, and fruits, and put them in my baking pan.

They came out of the oven with a nice golden color.  I was just hoping I didn't over-bake them...and if I did, let's just say I gave it the "French bake." 

These little guys were stickier than I thought they'd be. It took a while for me to cut them.

Thanks to Dorie's clear instructions, I think I succeeded making these bars! They have a nice flavor and a great chewy texture.

Granola Energy Bars recipe on page 328 of Baking Chez Moi.