Elementary (School), Dear Watson!

Those of you who have grazed though this blog know that I have a close (and some would say sadly ongoing) connection with my old elementary school. True, I have not been a pupil of theirs since 2001, but I have since gone back to visit many many times. I have brought many friends of mine along, and introduced Andrew (my favourite eggchef) to the fray of staff that grace the halls of MLCP. In fact, the woman who took care of most of my early childhood education (and the first person to ever introduce me to the love of writing) Verity, is invited to our wedding!

The author of this recipe, Michelle, was my Home Economics instructor for the six years I attended the school, and though she has since left the institution (and the face of the planet, apparently, since she is nowhere to be found) her recipes and legacy lives on in the hearts and kitchens of her former pupils. If I ever do get the chance to see her again I would happily invite her to my wedding also, provided she brought these granola bars along. These were always a joy to have for "snack time", and sometimes made appearances on the bake sale table as well.

Michelle’s Vegan Granola Bars
Makes 16
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup large-flake oats
¼ cup apple cider
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup whole flax seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup chopped almonds
½ cup chopped, dried fruit (figs and apricots are nice, she used apples and raisins)
½ cup rice syrup or agave nectar

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Turn out and press into a baking pan.
4. Bake 15 minutes and leave to cool completely on sheet before cutting and wrapping.

Amount Per Serving
Calories: 140.4
Total Fat: 7.0 g
Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
Sodium: 54.0 mg
Total Carbs: 17.5 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
Protein: 2.7 g