Back to school
The new school year is upon us and coming up with snacks for our kids to tie them over between meals is very important.
Kids use up a ton of energy and it is important for them in the mid morning period to get a boost of energy for the body but also to feed the mind.
Here is an energy bar that is healthy and full of fruit and has a chocolaty base to hold it all together. You can make it ahead for the week and keep them in a cool dry place and serve in a wax paper wrapper for easy clean enjoyment.
Dark Chocolate fruit medley Snack bar
Makes 8 bars
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour with setting
1 cup (250 mL).quick rolled oats
¾ cup (175 mL) Compliments dried 5 fruit medley
2/3 cup (150 mL). Honey
½ cup (125 mL). Chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)
1/3 cup (80 mL) apple juice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 box (6 oz) bittersweet dark chocolate, chopped
- Pre-heat oven to 300°F (150 °C). Line an 8”x 8” baking pan with wax paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, dried fruit, nuts, 1/3 cup (75 mL) of the honey, the apple juice, and vanilla. Blend well to distribute honey and juice evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet. Bake in pre-heated oven for 20 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove and cool for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to bowl and toss to coat in remaining honey.
- Meanwhile place chocolate into a heat proof bowl and place over a simmering pan of water.
- As chocolate melts stir using a heat proof spatula until smooth. DO NOT get water into chocolate.
- Pour melted chocolate into the bottom of lined baking pan. Spread over the bottom of the pan.
- Place the roasted oats mixture into the chocolate pan and with wet fingertips or a spatula press into chocolate to compact down firmly.
- Transfer to refrigerator to chill, covered for 15 minutes. Remove and cut into 4” by 2” bars.
- Wrap bars separately in wax or parchment paper. Store in a cool airtight container.
I have given this recipe to many friends with children or who were in training because they are so easy to make, they require very little effort but they will pack some energy into your kids and yourself during the day to be able to participate in their everyday activities.
I hope you enjoy them!
Yours in food,
Chef James