As part of our #brownbagit campaign, Action Against Hunger is sharing simple packed lunch recipes from Canadian chefs from coast-to-coast-to-coast. This fall, join your fellow Canadians: pack a nutritious lunch and donate the money you save so every kid can eat a healthy lunch. Read on for a tasty recipe from Prince Edward Island’s Chef Michael Smith:
Michael Smith
Michael Smith is a Food Network Host, Nutritional Activist, and Food Media Producer
Located: Prince Edward Island
Follow Michael Smith: Twitter / Facebook / Instagram
Chef Michael is a passionate advocate for simple, sustainable home cooking and an inspiration for families creating their own healthy food lifestyle. He is delighted to share with you this delicious recipe for easy Raspberry Granola Bars. Make this fruity treat and be sure to donate if you believe all kids should have access to fruits and vegetables.
Chef Michael Smith’s Raspberry Granola Bars
These deliciously addictive granola bars come with a fruity punch of powerful raspberries. They’re just the sort of treat to pack into your kids lunch. They’ll love the flavour and you’ll love knowing that made them yourself! Best of all? You wont believe how easy these are to make! #HalfYourPlate
Ingredients
3 cups of old fashioned oats
3 cups of whole-wheat flour
2 cups of sliced almonds, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or walnut pieces
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of vegetable oil
1 1/2 cup of honey
1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
1 cup of raspberry jam or jelly
2 six-ounce packages of fresh raspberries
Method
Step 1 – Prepare your oven
- Prepare and preheat your oven to 350°. Turn on your convection fan if you have one.
- Line a 9”’ by 13” baking pan with foil and lightly oil the works.
Step 2 – Prepare the mixture
- Whisk together the oats, flour, nuts or seeds, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
- In a second bowl whisk together the oil, honey and vanilla until smoothly combined.
- Add the wet to the dry and with your hands, vigorously stir and knead the works together until thoroughly combined.
Step 3 – Get the mixture ready for baking
- Firmly press a little less than half of the mixture into the baking pan. Spread the jam evenly over the base. If necessary microwave the jam until it is spreadable.
- Evenly sprinkle on the raspberries. Top with the remaining dry mixture, a handful or so at a time, filling in the gaps around and over the berries. Firmly press until evenly thick.
Step 4
- Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate until completely cooled.
- Carefully invert onto a cutting board.
- Peel away the foil and cut into evenly sized squares or bars.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container or individual packages for up to a week. Enjoy!
Kitchen Tips
- To minimize the sticky mess (and for accuracy) measure the oil first than measure the honey in the same cup. You’ll find it much easier.
- Don’t want to wait? You can also enjoy the results as a dessert of sorts warm from the oven.
© Chef Michael Smith
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