I truly dread saying this, but summer is winding down. (Insert sad face here)
Advertisements for the State Fair are in full force.
Target has an abundance of no. 2 pencils, 3 ring binders, and Justin Bieber folders. And has had them for several weeks now.
Plus, according to a random friend on Facebook, kids are back in school!? Well, some of them.
Let’s prepare with homemade granola bars. These would make a lunchbox that much more exciting or simply as a nice afternoon treat.
You can really create your own concoction here. I’ve decided to combine chocolate (surprised?), sliced almonds, and flaked coconut in these. It was a superb decision.
I originally found this Chocolate Granola Bar recipe from Shelly at Cookies & Cups. Seriously good eye candy over there, check ‘er out.
Chocolate Coconut Almond Granola Bars
adapted from Cookies & Cups
1 (16 oz.) package Chocolate CANDIQUIK Coating
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 1/2 cups Rolled Oats (I used quick oats)
1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut + 2 Tbsp for garnish
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl combine cereal, oats, coconut and almonds; set aside.
In a small saucepan combine the butter and honey. Bring to a boil and boil on medium heat for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add peanut butter; stir until combined.
Note: while the honey and butter are boiling, melt the CANDIQUIK according to the package directions.
Pour CANDIQUIK and the peanut butter mixture over the dry mixture and fold gently to combine.
Press evenly into prepared pan using wax paper.
Sprinkle with remaining coconut.
Refrigerate for 1 hour and then cut into bars.
Store in a covered container in the fridge.
These were a hit with everyone that tried them. They were a dense, crispy, crunchy, chocolatey bar. The coconut was noticeable, but not overwhelming at all. The almonds, I’m sure they went unnoticed. You could definitely add peanuts or any other nut in place of these.
My boyfriend even ate them (who hates peanut butter)…
I didn’t mention that peanut butter was in the recipe and somehow, someway, he didn’t notice. Until he reads this post.
I used parchment paper to dress them up a little – plus I thought this would be handy for eating, less mess. Warm hands + chocolate…
Happy (non) Baking!
Linked to: Mrs. Happy Homemaker, Crazy for Crust, Bru Crew Life, DJ’s Sugar Shack, Something Swanky, Chocolate, Chocolate & More, Sweet Bella Roos, Kitchen Fun w/ my 3 Sons
Monday, August 6th, 2012, 1:47 pm | 
Bars & Brownies, Recipes | 
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Monday, August 6, 2012 at 2:35 pm
I love granola bars in my lunch box! And well, even when I’m out of school, too. Homemade ones sound awesome even though I’ve never tried them–but since I can’t resist these Almond Joy-esque bars, you know I’m gonna try them.
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..Biscoff Cookie Popcorn
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 3:30 pm
I love these! Perfect for my daughter for school. I’m sad summer is ending…but I’m so happy at the same time, lol.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Crazy Sweet Tuesday & Roul’Pat Giveaway!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 7:18 am
Haha, I’m sure I’ll someday experience the ‘joy’ of the summer ending…school year beginning!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at 10:37 am
oh yummy!
sue @ cakeballs, cookies and more recently posted..Filling Cupcakes
Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 11:47 am
I love making granola bars – hopefully my kids eat them instead of trading:) these looks amazing
Heather@French Press recently posted..Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Friday, August 10, 2012 at 11:16 am
Almond Joy granola bars…I am in love with these!!!! Crazy that the summer is over already but I am totally ready for the routine to start happening!!! Granola bars will be included in this routine!!
Jocelyn recently posted..Back To School Cookie Round Up
Friday, August 10, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Totally should have titled them Almond Joy Granola Bars – haha. Thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 2:05 pm
Mmm almond & coconut? Count me in. Thanks for linking up at Pin It Thursday!
Emily at SweetBellaRoos recently posted..Back to School with Old Navy
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 2:34 pm
LOVE LOVE This! Thank you for sharing on Thursday’s Treasures week 46. <3 and hugs!
Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 7:39 am
Thanks for stopping by Debi!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 7:11 pm
Sarah, this is the perfect treat for after school, sweet but still a bit on the healthy side! Thanks for sharing and I’ll be featuring this at tomorrow’s Thursday’s Treasures!
Joan@Chocolate and More recently posted..Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 7:38 am
Yay!!! Thanks Joan!
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