It seems that, for one reason or another (insert birthdays, Christmas and New Year here), I spent the majority of these school holidays in my kitchen.  Most times I would tell you that the kitchen is my favourite room in the house and I love to spend a day here and there pottering around trying out new recipes, but these holidays I really wanted to spend as much time with my kids as I could and it was so tempting to just reach for some pre-packaged snacks at the supermarket.   It can be really handy to have some healthy pre-packaged snacks in the pantry, especially at this time of year when many of us find ourselves a bit time poor and without any spare time to bake, but if you’re looking to stock up on back-to-school snacks you might like to try this Wheat and Gluten Free Muesli Bar.  It’s a snap to make and the good news is that if you are looking to spend more time with the kids, then you can take them into the kitchen with you and they can help you make it.

You’d be surprised what a kick they get just from tipping a cup full of dessicated coconut into a bowl, or helping Mummy hold the handle of the electric mixer while she beats the butter and sugar together to make biscuits.  And if you let them roll the biscuit dough into balls and flatten them on the baking tray you’ll make some wonderful creations.  And there is a definite advantage to teaching your older kids to cook.  Miss 10 for example, now knows how to make Pizza Dough in the bread machine, roll it out, chop and add the toppings and pop it into the oven to cook.  That’s one meal I now know another family member can make.  Bonus!

I know lots of you have chosen to follow a Gluten Free Diet, either for medical reasons, or just as a life-style choice, so I thought I would try my hand at making some Gluten Free Snacks, and this is my first recipe.  My advice would be to double the recipe because it disappeared at a record rate around here.  A great Get Up And Go Breakfast option.

Wheat and Gluten Free Muesli Bars

Ingredients:

3 1/2 Cups Wheat and Gluten Free Muesli (I use Freedom Foods Gluten Free Muesli, it’s gluten, wheat and nut free!)

1/2 Cup Shredded Coconut (you could use dessicated)

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 Cup Pepitas

1/4 Cup Sunflower Kernels

1 Tbl Sesame Seeds

1 Tbl Cornflour (You want one derived from corn, not wheat that is gluten free)

100g Butter

1/4 Cup Golden Syrup

1/4 Cup Honey

1/4 Cup Apple Juice

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 180C.

Line a slice pan with baking paper making sure you allow for the paper to hang over the ends of the pan.  This makes it easier to remove your cooked slice once it is cooked.

Combine the first seven ingredients in a large mixing bowl and give them a good toss to combine.

Place the butter, golden syrup, honey and apple juice in a microwave safe bowl and place in your microwave for a minute or two until the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble.  I generally check mine after the first minute then decide how much longer it needs in the microwave.

Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients,  add the wet ingredients and give it all a good stir.  You want to make sure the wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and spread it out evenly.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until the top turns a lovely golden colour.

Allow your slice to cool in the pan before lifting it out using the ends of the baking paper and slicing into bars.

Store in an airtight container in in a cool, dry place.  I like to keep mine in the refrigerator.

Notes:  If you attempt to cut into bars before it has cooled thoroughly your slice will simply crumble.

This post is NOT a paid product endorsement, any views or opinions expressed in this post about Freedom Foods Gluten Free Muesli are my own.

Source of Original Recipe:  http://www.stayathomemum.com.au/recipes/crunchy-gluten-free-muesli-bars/