September 27, 2010

Mostly Martha Granola Bars

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I wanted simple.

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As I ascended the stairs, the warm smell of oats and peanut butter grew stronger. And once back in the kitchen, I kept sneaking a look. The oven light will surely burn out if I keep this up.

Just 30 minutes in a 325 degree oven. That's all. Nothing fussy.

Inspiration came from many places, but I settled for Martha in the end. Well, mostly Martha. Liberties were taken. Adjustments were made. Ultimately, my own divine interpretation of the granola bar.

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"What's in them?"

A mental checklist was still fresh. "Egg white. Oats. Chocolate chips. Almonds. Sunflower seeds. Salt. Peanut Butter. Maple syrup. Olive oil. Cinnamon."

"Just one tray?"

"It makes a small batch. I hope they taste okay."

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Hopes. My life is filled with hopes lately.

I hope I can find a pair of Tretorns with the green logo (just like the ones my mom bought for me all those many years ago) AND winter boots (because I didn't have winter boots last year).

I hope we go to Rome in the Spring.

I hope Roberto's mother likes the greek yogurt I bought for her.

I HOPE. I HOPE. I HOPE.

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"Are they chewy or crunchy?"

"I think they're supposed to be chewy."

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They WERE/ARE good. Not too sweet. Filled to the brim with all things good.

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Mostly Martha Granola Bars

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a bowl combine 1 large egg white, 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chopped almonds, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup grade B maple syrup, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. I used my KitchenAid with the paddle attachment, but a wooden spoon and bowl will work just as well.

Pour mixture into a 9x9 inch pan and pat down using a rubber spatula until it evenly coats.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Cool for 10 minutes.

Invert onto cutting board and slice.

Store in airtight container (I've been keeping ours in the fridge).

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Dear readers, if you guessed I was speaking of Martha Stewart, you are correct. However, the title of the post and named recipe is a play off of the movie Mostly Martha (the original—not the remake). A movie we love very much. If you haven't see it, please do. It's good cinema eats.

9 comments:

  1. I can almost smell the aroma--they look great. I love "Mostly Martha" as well as "Woman on Top."

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  2. those look good! and that is so funny about tretorns! My aunt just asked me what I would like for my birthday and somehow found these through the oh joy blog or one of those style blogs, and so she just got me the yellow ones! they are so awesome.

    http://www.zappos.com/tretorn-t58-poplin-w-dress-blue?zfcTest=prodPage2a:0

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  3. Never heard of Mostly Martha before and will head to imdb to check it out! I've been looking for a good granola bar recipe and I think the egg white is key here! I love the look of these and will bookmark for future use!

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  4. I love the original Mostly Martha. If only I could live inside that film.

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  5. Sending a sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm. I will definitely give these granola bars a try. Thank you! Ciao, bella!

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  6. Michele - I'll have to check out Woman on Top.

    strawberriesinparis - Lucky you! I need to go in search of white with green.

    kickpleat - If you like foreign food flicks, Mostly Martha is perfect :)

    Lindsey Frances - Me too :)

    Frog Hollow Farm Girl - Do try!

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  7. Hmm, I haven't seen that film and something tells me i'd like it. These bars would be wonderful for me as I rarely get time to eat properly between classes and try not to have anything too unhealthy. Blocking out from my mind all those cakes I make of course!

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  8. Vanessa - They feel healthy, for sure. A nice way to fill your stomach between classes, staving off hunger pangs induced by lovely cakes.

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  9. Hello! I'm glad I found this- I am running out of granola bars from the last care package from the States. But they're always too sweet anyway. - I make my own granola, so why not bars?! Would love to try this version. Thank you!

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