Holidays, weekend sleep-overs or family night, kitchens are often the place to congregate, especially for kids. Not only do they come to eat, many want to help with whatever you are doing.
Cooking with children may be a little messier and might possibly slow the process down somewhat but it can be a wonderful learning experience for everyone. It’s a perfect time for them to learn about nutrition, build math and reading skills as they measure and read directions and explore new foods. It is also a great time for you to bond with your child.
The next time your children want to help in the kitchen consider having them make energy bars. They are a nutritious treat that children can make with little to no adult help, depending upon the age of the child.
While there are countless recipes online for energy boosting granola bars, if you purchase pre-toasted nuts, there’s simply no reason to turn on the oven. This no-bake recipe is perfect for children, especially those with short attention spans, since there’s no heat involved and it can be prepared quickly.
No-Bake Energy Boosting Granola Bars
* 2 ½ cups of rolled oats (standard or gluten-free)
* 1 ½ cups of pre-toasted nuts (your family favorites)
* 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
* ½ cup of raisins
* 6 tablespoons of salted butter
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon
* 6 tablespoons of honey
* 2 tablespoon of molasses
* 7 x 11 inch pan
* Parchment paper
* Plastic wrap
In a large bowl, add the nuts, coconut and raisins.
In a microwave safe bowl, bring the butter, sugar, cinnamon, honey and molasses to a boil. Immediately pour it over the oats, nuts and raisins. Carefully stir until everything is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to cool until you can handle it.
Line a 7 x 11 inch pan with parchment paper. Spoon the mixture onto the pan. Granola bars are compact so using your fingers, firmly press the mixture to make an even layer across the pan. Cover the pan lightly with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour or until completely cooled.
Once cooled, remove from the refrigerator and cut into 16 bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or place them in an air-tight container. Store them at room temperature.
If more than one child is helping, you can assign each child a particular task. For instance one can read the directions while another one measures. If you plan ahead, you can even have them help create your custom recipe, shop for the ingredients as well as prepare it, giving them the opportunity to brag about doing it all on their own from start to finish.
This no-bake recipe is a great project to do when hosting a sleep-over. It will give the children something to focus their attention on so they aren’t hollering that they are bored and they will have healthy treat to snack during their stay.
Double it, triple it, make as much as you want. Easy No-Bake Energy Boosting Granola Bars is a perfect way to let your kids help in the kitchen.
