Week two of being back in the swing of things, and I think I’m finally getting into the groove. It’s always so hard to keep on top of all my homework and assignments the first few weeks back from a break. I hope I’ll now be able to get to class and not freak out because I forgot to print off an in-class assignment or read the chapter we discussed in class.
Because not doing so can lead to some pretty awkward situations… and a tardy.
This weekend I realized how blessed I am by the friends I’ve made in college. I love that my College of Education buddies jump at the prospect of seeing the 10:20PM showing of Frozen, and when those plans fall through, head on over to watch romantic comedies all night (well… till 1AM, which may as well be “all night” for me!).
I love that I have a boyfriend who will go to the mall with me and buy Yankee Candles (the store was going out of business, so 75% off EVERYTHING?! Yes PLEASE!) and children’s books at Half Price.
I love that I have friends who let me crash in their dorm room when I have no where else to sleep. I love that no matter what, I know who I can run to for wise words, laughter and companionship.
God has really blessed me and I know that many of these friendships are ones that are going to last for years!
Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (NLT)
Now for the good part!! Before trying to go see Frozen (for the 4th time, I might add), I had this really random craving for some chewy granola bars, so I whipped up a batch real quick and boy… are they good!!
The ingredients I added (like the dried cranberries, chocolate chips and sunflower seeds) can be replaced with anything you want! You could used chopped peanuts, raisins, walnuts, etc. No importa!
Nutty for You Granola Bars
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups oats
3/4 chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsalted, raw sunflower seeds
2 large, ripe bananas
2/3 cup applesauce
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp ground flax seed
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate)
1/4 cup agave or honey
1. Pre-heat oven to 350.
2. Spread out the oats, pecans and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Toast in the oven for about 10 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, mash up the bananas then stir in the applesauce and agave or honey.
4. Transfer the toasted oats and nuts into a large bowl and stir in the dried cranberries, flax seed, spices and salt.
5. Stir the banana mixture into the oat mixture until well combined and it begins clumping together. Transfer to the baking dish and spread the mixture out until it forms an even layer.
6. Bake until the mixture is golden brown and starting to separate from the sides of the pan, for about 15-25 minutes. Mine got a little crispy on the edges due to the chocolate chips, so keep an eye on them when it gets around to 15 minutes to avoid any burning! Let the pan cool for 15 minutes and then cut into bars. Mine made 16.
[…] A while back before getting too busy creating Simply Taralynn, I wanted to help a lot of you share your blogs and recipes! I’ve decided to start posting those right one here! It makes it easier for all of us:) Here is a recipe that was submitted by Peaches and Prayers! Her granola bars are super healthy and made with no oils! You can read more about Rebecca here! (http://peachesandprayers.com/nutty-for-you-granola-bars-no-oil-low-in-sugar-all-natural/) […]