I’ve had to take a little break from Facebook in the past two weeks. Unless they can create a function where I can block other people’s vacation photos, I can’t handle it. I’m sure it’s not true, but it feels like everyone I know is on a fabulous vacation somewhere sandy and sunny. I don’t even really enjoy those kinds of holidays to be perfectly honest, but in the final stretch of winter called March, I crave it. We’re not going away until the summer and I’ve got a very unattractive case of vacation envy.

Okay, let me just shake that off! These bars would be a good short-trip snack. So, if you’re like me and may only be making it as far as the drop in centre for March break, these would be the ticket. They’re much softer and moister than a typical granola bar so I wouldn’t take them on the plane (on the way somewhere fabulous) but they’d be great for a long car trip, or a short one. To, say, the community centre pool. Or the park. If it’s not too freezing. Yeah, I’m not over it….

I found them a bit plain and would add more cinnamon and a pinch of salt next time, but they were a hit with the kids this morning at breakfast. Julian who has developed some weird habits including going days without a  meal, sat in his chair and ate one of these with a big grin on his face. I’m definitely making them again. This recipe is based on one Laura found on one of her favourite apps from Wholefoods. I tweaked it a bit to suit what I had handy.

Apple Oat Bars

2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups oats
1 cup trail mixed, chopped (I used a mix of dried cranberries, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds)
1/2 cup ground flax
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 apples, peeled, cored and grated

Method

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Line a 9 inch cake pan with parchment or foil. Pour mixture into pan and press with the back of a fork or spoon until the top is flat.

Bake for one hour or until golden brown. It will still be soft when it’s done! Allow to cool before lifting up parchment or foil and cutting into squares. They will keep for several days in an airtight container.