National Apricot Day | Apricot Granola Bars
It’s a new year and yes, while I have given you some dishes so far (like Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies and Cream Puffs) that may not be completely in line with your new year’s resolutions to eat healthier, I can now say that today I’m giving you a reprieve. It’s National Apricot Day and time to celebrate one of the world’s healthiest foods. Apricots, with high fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin A levels, and with a great taste, are one of my favorite fruits.
Today I’m sharing an item that is adapted from Giada’s Apricot Oat Bars.
If there is one show that I have to make sure I do NOT miss an episode of, it’s Giada at Home. You can call me obsessed with her and that would be perfect fine with me. It would be the truth. In fact, the location of my 30th birthday this year (Las Vegas) was decided because Giada is opening a restaurant there soon. My usual repertoire of dishes include many of the recipes from her show.
Giada featured these Apricot Oat Bars on her show. I tried and loved them, and when I saw National Apricot Day on the calendar, I thought that I would make a more granola version.
My husband and I enjoyed these bars throughout the week as a grab-and-go breakfast option, or just a simple snack in the middle of the day. I ate them instead of visiting the work vending machine. On those nights when I just needed one more snack before I got ready for bed, these were it. They are easy, chewy, sweet, and completely flavorful.
Enjoy!
- [b]Apricot Filling[/b]
- 1 13-ounce jar apricot jam or preserves (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 8 dried apricots, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces (about 1/3 cup)
- [b]Granola[/b]
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup Wheat Germ
- 1 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- Handful of silvered almonds
- Handful dried pomegranate-infused cherries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- Preheat the oven to 350*F.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper and spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine apricot jam and chopped dried apricots. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, wheat germ, oats, almonds and cherries until incorporated.
- Add honey, melted butter and egg to flour mixture and combine.
- Pour half granola mixture into prepared pan, spreading to the edges. Top with apricot filling. Cover with remaining granola, pressing firmly.
- Bake at 350* for 30-35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
DID YOU KNOW: Apricots originated in Asia over 4,000 years ago and, in China, were once thought to enhance fertility. One apricot has 17 calories.
Tomorrow: National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
I had just searched Pinterest for granola ideas that both my little guy and I could enjoy. I think this one might be it. I wanted something sweet since he is all about the fruits these days. Thanks for sharing! I’m pinning this to my Just So Sweet board on Pinterest.
So glad these could be of use to someone! I shared the granola bars with my neighbor, my mom, my husband, and our niece. Everyone became fans so I’m sure your little guy will feel the same. 🙂
Wow, these look awesome! I will have to make these. I’m sure my husband will love them.
Thanks, Aubrey! When I was writing the post last night, my husband peered over my shoulder and said, “Ohh those are the bars I loved”. Yep, yep they are.
You had me at Giada. For this recipe, and Vegas! Looks delish.
November, 2014!!
I usually don’t take to granola but this looks amazing! Maybe need to check this out 🙂 THank you for sharing!
http://neatly-packaged.blogspot.com/
You know…I’m not a HUGE granola fan either. I’d much rather have pizza for breakfast. (Whoops, did I just say that?) But I stand behind these bars 100%. I think you’ll love them!
I love apricots and these bars look really delicious. I think I’ll use whole wheat flour that I milled myself and see how they turn out.
Whole wheat flour is an excellent idea to make them even healthier!
I LOVE apricots! This looks like a fun way to add them to our lunchboxes and snack bags. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by, Jeanae!
These look killer!!!!! And yes, I know how much you love Giada…definitely a little girl chef crush (and I totally get it). I realllllly think I’ll have to make these sooner than later!
Do it! Mike saw me writing the post and said, “Those are the bars we loved. When are you making them again?”. Needless to say, that’s what I’m doing soon, lol.
Ah! These look like they melt in your mouth! Granola bars are such an easy and healthy snack/breakfast. I really need to try to make these and have them for the kids!
They will love them, I’m sure! 🙂
[…] I made a version of these granola bars before with more dried fruit and apricot jam. This time around, I thought the pretzel M&Ms […]
[…] Apricot Granola Bars: I was told to make these again as he was helping himself to his first granola bar. […]