Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re going to prepare a nutritious and satisfying snack – Millet Granola Bars. These homemade granola bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like millets, oats, nuts, and dried fruits, making them perfect for a quick energy boost or on-the-go snack. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup mixed Millets (such as a combination of foxtail millet, sorghum, and quinoa)
• 1/2 cup Nuts (almonds, cashews, or your choice), chopped
• 1/4 cup Seeds (such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds)
• 1/4 cup Dried Fruits (cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots)
• 1/4 cup Honey or Maple Syrup
• 1/4 cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
• 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Granola Bar Mixture

1. Toast oats and millets: In a dry skillet, toast rolled oats and mixed millets over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine toasted oats and millets with chopped nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Mix well.

Step 2: Make Granola Bar Binder

1. Heat wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine honey or maple syrup, peanut butter or almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

1. Combine: Pour the warm honey or maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined and evenly coated.
2. Press into pan: Line a baking dish or pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press firmly and evenly using a spatula or back of a spoon.
3. Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm and set.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

1. Slice: Remove chilled granola mixture from the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into bars or squares of desired size.
2. Store: Individually wrap bars in parchment paper or store in an airtight container layered with parchment paper. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Tips and Variations

• Customize: Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
• Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or chia seeds for extra flavor and texture.
• Nut-free: Replace nuts with more seeds or chopped dried fruits for a nut-free version.

Nutritional Benefits

Millet Granola Bars are packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients from millets, oats, nuts, and seeds, offering a wholesome snack option that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Enjoy making and enjoying these homemade Millet Granola Bars for a convenient and satisfying snack any time of day!