Enjoy Granola Without the Grains
I like to think that I inspire Karl aka “the babe” to cook. Yes, we are one of those babe couples, #sorryI’mnotsorry. But, he claims he’s been a gourmet chef long before he met me. Yeah, right.
Okay, okay, I guess he did start as a prep cook in a 5 star restaurant at age 16.. but does that really count? I mean, maybe, just maybe its because he comes from a line of amazing german woman who make everything from scratch. But, who says the apple does fall far from the tree? I mean it’s round.. it can roll, duh. OK. Fine… it’s not the fact that he’s solely inspired, but I guess it runs in his genes and he has some experience. Point being, the man can cook and bake!
Often, I get the lovely treat of having meals made for me. Typically, I’m super controlling about my food, but I know I can trust the meals Karl makes because he is THAT good. He’s so innovative with spices and experimentation. He just goes for it, and most of the time, it turns out great! It refreshing to taste someone else’s creation, and actually, shh don’t tell, but it even inspires me to think more outside the box.
Homemade granola has always been one of my favorites. Mostly because my second mama, aka best friend’s mother, makes a phenomenal granola mix. After high school I missed her mix so much, I had to create one of my own. I used to make huge batches in my sorority house during college, and fill the house with sweet and salt aromas of glazed oats and caramelized nuts. Unfortunately, I learned pretty quickly once “going paleo” I have a hard time digesting nuts and of course, oats are a no no. So for me, although I LOVE granola, even paleo granola, I have to be careful about how much of it I consume.
Karl’s recipes are kind of like big foot. You’ve heard of them, you might have seen them, but its something out of this world! His paleo granola bars for one, are every bit nutritious and delicious. As an endurance athlete, motocross rider, cyclist, rower, mountain bike rider, Karl really needs those extra carbs to help push through his day. These granola bars are the perfect amount of sweet, salty, and will be there when you need a little snack. They are addicting too, I have a hard time keep my hands off of them! I claim that he is a kid, truly though. I won’t embarrass him but let’s just say I’ve caught him playing with old Star Wars toys “collectibles” in the past. With that said, these nutty bars will be perfect if you have little ones! Or a boyfriend who’s a man-child.
On behalf of “the babe” — Simply Enjoy!
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup banana chips
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 cup carrots, peeled
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- Preheat oven to 250.
- In a food processor, mix all nuts, banana chips and berries together. Remove nut and berry mixture and put into separate large bowl. Next, in food processor add the carrots, and pulse for a minute or two.
- Then, add carrot mixture to the nut and berries mixture, in addition add the honey, syrup and molasses. With your hands, mix until well combined.
- Next, form rectangular bars and place on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Put in oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until bars are golden brown on top and stick together. Cool completely on wire rack.
- Feel free to add additional nuts or dried fruit of your choice!
- You may also use a blender or Ninja if you don't have a food processor.
Karl Weinreich
Is not only Jamie’s P.I.C, (partner in crime), but he’s an adrenaline loving, endurance athlete, living 80/20 paleo. When he’s not working or playing his with pup Harper, the best German Shepard there is, Karl is either out on the track racing motocross, riding his mountain bike, cycling (or unicycling), and enjoying the outdoors. Follow him on twitter at @KWeinreich332 or on Instgram at @karl332
