Chewy granola bars can be a tasty snack on a day when you don't have time to make something more elaborate. It's so easy to peel back the crisp plastic wrapper and bite into the sweet, chewy goodness. But, on a day when you have a little more time to experiment, why not try a few bolder interpretations of the traditional granola bar? Beware! These ideas are not for the calorie counter or the under indulgent. Count these ideas as a splurge and you won't have to feel so guilty. Here are some unique ways to jazz up that store bought chewy granola bar:
Deep Fry It
This won't win any points for health and certainly shouldn't be a part of your daily eating plan but if you feel like trying something a bit off the wall, consider giving that granola bar a swim in the deep fryer. To deep fry a granola bar, combine egg, milk, and vegetable oil into a bowl. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together to create batter. Place this in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Meanwhile, place your granola bar in the freezer until almost frozen. Heat around five cups of oil to around 375 degrees. After dipping the cold candy bar in the batter, drop into the oil until golden brown. (Look for a full recipe in a future article).
Enhance It With Maple Syrup
For a deliciously decadent creation, place a granola bar into the microwave or oven until warm. In a separate container, heat up some old fashioned maple syrup. Pour the warm maple syrup over the granola bar and top with chopped walnuts. Spray with a light spritz of whipped cream. You'll want to eat this sweet, gooey delicacy with a fork and then use a spoon to get every last drop.
Spread on Some Jelly
Why save your jelly and jam for boring and uninspiring toast? Heat up a granola bar in the microwave and spread with a layer of fresh, fruit jelly or jam along the length of the bar. If you're feeling like you really deserve a splurge, add a thin coat of real butter before applying the jelly. Close your eyes and taste the goodness.
Jazz up a chewy granola bar: Top with peanut butter and marshmallow cream.
Heat up your granola bar until warm. Add a thin layer of organic peanut butter followed by a generous layer of marshmallow cream. Sprinkle on some chocolate chips and reheat the bar just enough to melt the chocolate chips. You can console yourself knowing the peanut butter has protein and good fats.
Dip It In Coffee or Hot Chocolate
Who says you a biscotti is the only good cookie for dipping? A granola bar can taste delicious dipped into your morning coffee. You can dip and sip while reading the New York Times.
Next time you're temped to eat that chewy granola bar straight out of the package, stop and think. Wouldn't it be better deep fried?
