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Copy cat is a Good Thing When it Comes to Recipes Grandchildren Love Like Granola Bars

The internet is a wonderful thing.  Because my grandchildren love the mac and cheese from California Pizza Kitchen, I looked on the internet for the recipe and found it!  I make it at home for them now and even have created my lower fat version.  See past post.


The food section of the local newspaper had a whole article on copy cat recipes and even recommended two websites: topsecretrecipes.com and foodnetwork.com.


Topsecretrecipes.com is well organized by brand and location.  However, I am not so sure that I am running to copy 7 Eleven recipes any time soon.  Of course, I checked California Pizza Kitchen and they did not have the wonderful mac and cheese recipe.  And you have to pay to get the full recipe.


Now, Food Network is the best.  They have recipes our grandchildren are interested in. 


This Grandma is always looking for sweets for grandchildren and chocolate is the best.  The recipe gets five stars on the website and here it is to try if you want a 2 ½ hour project:

This Grandma is into simple and easy recipes when it comes to younger grandchildren and I searched for one.  Food network website has a whole section for kids


Now here was an easy copy cat recipe that is a winner.  It is by Ina Garten who does great recipes and it is for a sweet our grandchildren love, granola bars.  I would add chocolate chips of course!


Homemade Granola Bars

Ina’s Homemade Granola Bars

Prep: 25 min  Cook: 40 min

Yield:12 to 16 bars

Level:Easy


Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

1/2 cup dried cranberries


Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

  • Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

  • Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

  • Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.


Don’t forget to add the chocolate chips! Not only is this recipe easy, it is somewhat healthy so the parents of our grandchildren will not complain too much.  Remember to check previous posts about baking with grandchildren and the tips, including to cover your kitchen with old towels, counters and floors, for easy cleanup.


So now when the grandchildren eat at a restaurant and love something, I am going to be sure to check the internet for a copy cat recipe with



Joy,



Mema






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