Friday, March 16, 2012

I’m more festive than I thought: Minty Green Granola Bars


Just popping in with a quick post for an even quicker snack…


After writing just a few days ago about how un-festive I am when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, I show up with another St. Patty’s Day-related food post. Guess that makes me a liar…but I do have a good reason for all this newfound festivity: I found a bag of mint and dark chocolate chips that have been in my cupboard since Christmas. Since I missed that boat, St. Patrick’s Day seemed like the next logical choice. And I wanted granola bars. Win, win.


No-Bake Mint Chocolate Granola Bars

3 cups granola (I used honey and oats with almond flavor)
1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped
1/2 cup plain M&Ms (green if you’re feeling festive)
1/2 cup mint and dark chocolate chips*
1/4 cup yogurt chips
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 stick unsalted butter
2 tablespoons lite corn syrup

Combine granola and cashews in a large bowl.

Heat sugar, butter and corn syrup in a small saucepan until melted. Simmer for a few minutes until sugar is completely dissolved. Pour immediately over granola and stir until completely coated. Stir in M&Ms and all chips.

Pour granola into an ungreased 9x13 baking pan. Using your fingers, press mixture firmly into pan.

Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, run a knife along all sides and turn pan over onto a cutting board. Cut into bars.

Store in refrigerator.

*Any kind of chips can be substituted, especially since the mint and dark chocolate chips are apparently seasonal. Andes makes mint chocolate baking chips that would work well.


These are ridiculously fast to make, you can throw anything you want in them, and they make a hearty snack. I can’t say they’re super healthy since they’re heavy on the chocolate and sugar, but they sure taste good.


And if you’re still looking for a festive meal for tomorrow, check out my Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Guinness Dipping Sauce.


Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

11 comments:

  1. YUMMM! I am not usually a fan of mint + chocolate combo, but these are too cute not to try! fabulous photos too! Thanks so much! :)

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  2. Looks like this will be a hit.
    Rita

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  3. I love those mint chips--I haven't seen them in Alaska yet, but I love the color. What a fun snack!

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  4. Whoa boy, those look great! These are totally festive, much more festive than I'm going to be for St. Paddy's day.

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  5. I would love to try your festive granola bars, they look amazing and full of color

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  6. These are so pretty! I love mint anything...so I'm pinning this!! I'm not making anything special for St. Patty's Day this year...so you're making up for my lack of motivation :)...

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  7. What a great treat these are...pretty festive!

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  8. Mint chocolate granola bars, holy yumminess!

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  9. These look yummy! You have some great photos! I so want to find my battery charger so I can practice taking food photos again. One of my children lost it and now I need to search the house!

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