Plum, Pecan and White Chocolate Granola Bars

Today is National Oatmeal Day and did you know that oatmeal is full of fiber which helps you stay fuller longer. Oatmeal makes a great breakfast to help fuel your day and also a great snack, like thee Plum, Pecan and White Chocolate Granola Bars I made last week. The kids loved them though I think I'd make them smaller next time. By using the brownie pan they were neat and uniform in size, but a little too large to eat for a snack as they were very filling. Also, by making these yourself, you get to control the amount of sugar than those found in the store bought varieties. Play around with it. It you don't like white chocolate or would prefer a healthier option, use carob or dark chocolate instead or leave it out entirely...it's completely up to you. 

Here are 10 Health Benefits of Oatmeal:
1. Lowers Cholesterol
2. Reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure
3. Full of antioxidants
4. It prevents arteries from hardening
5. Can prevent the development of breast cancer
6. Stabilizes blood sugar
7. Prevents the development of diabetes
8. Gives the immune system a boost
9. Can prevent weight gain
10. A great substitute for those following a gluten free diet

Plum, Pecan and White Chocolate Granola Bars
3 c. Quaker Oats
1 c. Dried Plums, chopped
1/4 c. Pecans, chopped
1/3 c. White Chocolate Chips
1/2 c. Honey

Directions for Pampered Chef Non Stick Brownie Pan:
1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. 
2. Pour the oat mixture evenly into a 12 section Pampered Chef Non Stick Brownie Pan
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then allow to cool. (I placed mine in the freezer once the pan was cool enough to speed the process). Makes 12. 

*Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories 224, Carbs 38g, Fat 6.8g, Protein 3.9g, Fiber 3.8g

*Calculations based on ingredients entered into CalorieCount and may not be 100% accurate.

Directions for 8x8 inch baking pan:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. 

2. Pour the oat mixture evenly into a 12 section Pampered Chef Non Stick Brownie Pan

2a. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the oat mixture and spread so that it is evenly distributed in the pan. 

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, then allow to cool. (I placed mine in the freezer once the pan was cool enough to speed the process). Cut into 20 individual bars. 

*Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories 134, Carbs 22.8g, Fat 4.1g, Protein 2.3g, Fiber 2.3g

*Calculations based on ingredients entered into CalorieCount and may not be 100% accurate.

And for all of my fellow East Coasters, please stay safe during Hurricane Sandy these next few days!