Comments on: Oat, Seed and Chocolate Granola Bars

By: Elisabeth Lane

Elisabeth Lane — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 23:19:36 +0000

Lyle’s Golden Syrup is available on Amazon. It’s even cheaper than at my local store.

By: Jan

Jan — Sun, 19 Feb 2017 13:49:30 +0000

The cane syrup worked with no digestive problems but the good news for all those searching for the real deal is I found it at Fresh Market. What was the difference? Lyle’s Golden syrup has a much richer taste, almost like caramel flavoring. It is so worth it to use it if you can find it.
I have gone on to make this recipe 6 times and it has morphed just a bit. I now double it because often this becomes breakfast with a cup of tea. I also have added at 2 TB of chia seeds, 1/4 cup of peanut butter and 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut flakes. I added the peanut butter to aid in holding it all together.
( I tried almond butter but it bothered me with indigestion type feelings and tummy grumbles. I looked it up on the App but couldn’t find information on almond butter. I have never really liked almonds anyway.)
Melt the peanut butter, then combine with the oil and syrup and mix well, then add to dry ingredients. After all ingredients are combined, I let it rest 5 – 10 minutes to let the dry ingredients absorb the liquids. I learned from years of gluten free baking that a rest period greatly improves the final product. I find that really packing it in the baking pan ( I use the bottom of a measuring cup ) helps to keep the shape.
I think this particular recipe has made a positive difference with added fiber and prebiotic oatmeal action. I have my follow up visit this week. Gastro life is so much better than a month ago. My tummy is quiet, there are no MBI (messy bathroom incidents), I am not hungry and I lost 6 pounds. I don’t have that always running in the background anxiety because of possible digestive misbehavior. I feel better! Win-win! Thank you Kate for all you do.

By: katescarlata

katescarlata — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 13:13:55 +0000

In reply to Jerilyn.

Hi Jerilyn, Quick oats might just work–they are smaller and easier to mix in–worth a try!

By: Jerilyn

Jerilyn — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 02:27:02 +0000

Hi, if you don’t have a food processor, would substituting quick oats for the rolled oats work? It seems by your description that by using the food processor to the degree you want for the recipe, quick oats by nature achieve almost the same flake consistency. Thank you.

By: katescarlata

katescarlata — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:31:10 +0000

In reply to Megan King.

Just seeing this Megan….I am sure you are ready to be done with your degree….I am just starting so my motivation and enthusiasm is at an all time peak! Be easy on yourself….and good for you for getting a Master’s degree. And please let me know what you think of the videos…I value your input!

By: katescarlata

katescarlata — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:29:49 +0000

In reply to melanie gerhart. Try the maple syrup--but I find the granola bars are more crumbly. Perhaps add a egg white?

By: katescarlata

katescarlata — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:28:56 +0000

In reply to Beth.

Master’s in Public Health….not sure, but hope to be involved in the research end of IBS perhaps–and also involved in prevention–many with IBS have what is known as post infectious IBS–from food borne illness. We all need to be talking about ways to avoid food borne illness. BUT really, I just love learning. And yes, I am already a registered dietitian–with about 30 years of experience–which is hard to believe.

By: katescarlata

katescarlata — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:26:17 +0000

In reply to Jan.

Thanks for sharing –I think the cane sugar syrup should be okay–in small doses–and sounds like that using it –worked well for you. YAY!

By: Jan

Jan — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:23:48 +0000

I wondered about golden syrup, too. I googled it and found a hive ( see history of the brand ) of information on Lyle’s golden syrup. Many specialty food shops carry it. There is no real substitute for it either since it has a distinct flavor. Of course, no such luck in my little town but I did find something I did use at WF. It is an organic pure cane liquid sweetener with the consistency of syrup. The ingredient is Organic cane sugar syrup. Is it fodmaps legal, I don’t know. But I did compare ingredients from one to the other and nothing glaring stood out. They both are made from sugar and water, Lyle’s may have some lemon. So I did use it for this recipe and as of this minute, all is well digestively. I will get Lyle’s one day…..
I cut the bars and wrapped them individually, then zip locked them and stashed them in the freezer. They are very tasty and satisfy that “give me chocolate and no one gets hurt” moment. This recipe helps to not feel so limited.
There is a recipe on the Food website to make a golden syrup, too.

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 17:30:54 +0000

In reply to melanie gerhart. yes, I'd like to know too. I have no idea what store around here that carries that.