I’ve spent most of the weekend, most of the week before it, and really most of the entire month before that working on a blog post to be published either tomorrow or Tuesday… and I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous or excited about anything I’ve ever published before.
After hours staring at a computer screen, writing and then promptly deleting paragraphs over and over again, I very often found myself needing “study breaks.” And—just like back in high school—my favorite form of procrastination from working is to make and eat food.
Some things don’t change!
These granola bars are a product of one such study break. It’s amazing how productive you can be at a task when you’re trying to procrastinate doing something else.
Don’t believe me? Just try cleaning your apartment the next time you don’t want to work… 😉
They can be sugar-free, flourless, and there’s no baking required. If you can imagine eating one of those popular Coconut Seven Layer Bars in the form of a granola bar, that sort of describes these!
Coconut Chocolate Chip “Magic” Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick oats, or gluten-free quick oats (80g)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut, regular or reduced-fat (14g) (Don’t like coconut? Try these bars)
- 1/4 cup oat flour, gluten-free if desired (or grind up rolled oats in a food processor, then measure out 1/4 cup) (35g)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3-4 tbsp mini chocolate chips (30-40g)
- 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil (40g)
- pinch uncut stevia OR 2 tbsp agave or pure maple syrup (or honey for non-vegans)
- 1/4 cup milk of choice (60g) (decrease to 2 tbsp if using agave or maple)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
If using coconut oil, you can freeze instead of baking for no-bake granola bars. Otherwise, grease a loaf pan and preheat oven to 400 F. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until evenly incorporated. Transfer to the loaf pan, spread out, and press down VERY firmly with a sheet of wax paper or a small spatula. Bake 10 minutes. Then press down very firmly again. So that they don’t crumble, wait for the bars to cool completely before trying to invert the loaf pan onto a plate. If cooled completely, they should come off the pan in one big piece. Then you can cut into bars. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers for optimal freshness.
Question of the Day:
What is your favorite way to procrastinate?
Link of the Day:
those bars looks amazing-can’t wait to try them!!!!!!!
Hi Katie, I’m so curious about this post you’ve been working so long on!
As for procrastination… Currently I’ve started a new study, which brings a LOT of work. I used to stand every day whole day in the kitchen before (more or less) baking/making things. Now it’s only for dinner, because I don’t have the time anymore! I need every minute I have.
If the workload drops a little, I’m sure I’ll go bake something to snack on during studying ;P. These bars look like something to try, not to much work, and full of necessary nutrients for your brain ;).
Love.
My procrastination is reading recipe sites…I may only use them for inspiration but I can easily kill an hour! iPhone games help too…darn BeJeweled…
would these turn out better if I did bake them using coconut oil? Or do you suggest not baking at all if using coconut oil? They sound wonderful!!!!!
If using the coconut oil, either works well 🙂
these are super. So yummy and filled with good things. Hugs!
I love getting stuff done while I’m avoiding trying to do something else, so funny but true! Oh and by the way the bars look amazing! 🙂
These look delicious and super easy! I might try to make them today!
Well, my favourite way to procrastinate? Now that would be reading your blog Katie!
🙂
Cooking is the death of me when I need to get stuff done! I think “Oh, I’ll just take a quick break to whip this up…” And it ends up taking like an hour. LOL the struggle.
http://www.youtube.com/sparklesandsuch26
These look so yummy, and I’m also curious about your post!! As for ways to procrastinate… I have so many, lol. The computer is definitely my detriment because I log on to do school and end up reading food blogs, checking email, watching “just one more” video… etc.! 🙂
These look awesome! Coconut and chocolate is one of my favorite combos! You’ve got me craving it now. 🙂
My favorite way to procrastinate is reading other blogs! I always have to say one more post one more post… until I realize its almost night!
These look great as a morning snack to take to work!
You need this shirt!!! My sister bought me one because I do the same exact thing! 🙂
http://www.zazzle.com/procrastibaking_t_shirt_with_black-235031518184250077
Yes!! These are so perfect and I love that there is minimal sugar in these.
ICK! COCONUT!
Not like I can eat it anyways, but oh how I wish I liked it!
My procrastination: calling my mom. It’s my excuse because she misses me so badly that she rambles to me for at LEAST an hour. It really kills the time and I don’t feel as guilty!
Ick coconut? I would like to see one comment of yours that isn’t negative
Holy cow….I just said I didn’t like coconut, “K”. There are many posts on here, such as the raisin breakfast cookies, where people freak out about raisins. I also said I wish I liked it. SOUNDS POSITIVE TO ME.
But whatever. If this is how you de-stress, have at it.