Luna bars - tofu

[Guest guest]

<I buy Luna Bars at my local grocery store, which has a health food

section. On sale they are about $1.35 each. There are some chocolate

flavors, and one with cranberries which is pretty good. I don't eat

them too often as I find them too sweet, and they have a soy protein

base which sometimes upsets my stomach. To me they kind of taste like a

healthier version of rice krispies treats (of course no marshmallows in

them).

Karen in Florida >

 

Yes, Karen, after all the talk - I got one - I used to get them and realized

why I don't any more. They are too sweet for me.

 

I love the taste of tofu - organic firm - just like it is - I eat a chunk

from it every time I make a recipe of anything.

 

Any new summer recipes? Anything you found just nummy? Please share.

 

Has anyone made their own snack bars? Granola bars?

 

Louise

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hey Louise,

You're right the Luna Bars are very sweet. That's why I normally only eat 1/2 a

bar at a time. Most of them have a good taste other than that, though. They

are good for a quick snack when I don't have time for anything else and they

travel well.

 

Below are some granola recipes I've tried. I like them all. Maybe there's one

that will work for you.

 

God's Peace,

Gayle

 

 

Cran-Nut Granola

 

This recipe is easy to prepare, and the kids can help. Scoop some granola into

an airlock baggie and set on the counter for your kids to grab after 3 p.m.

 

Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup vegan honey substitute

1/4 cup vegan margarine, melted

1/2 cup chopped almonds (or your favorite nut)

1 cup dried cranberries (or substitute dates or raisins)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

 

In a large bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, wheat germ, almonds, and

dried cranberries. In a separate bowl, mix together the oil, vegan honey

substitute, margarine, and cinnamon. Drizzle over the dry ingredients, and stir

to coat evenly. Spread out the mixture in a thin layer on a large, ungreased

cookie sheet.

 

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring every 10 minutes to

toast evenly. Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Granola will become crunchier as it cools.

 

Peanut and Fruit Granola

Makes about 9 cups

 

1/2 cup vegan honey substitute

1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

1/4 cup vegan margarine, melted

3 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups pitted dates, chopped (you can substitute raisins)

1 cup flaked or shredded coconut

1/2 cup unsalted peanuts

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup nonfat non dairy dry milk powder (I use Soya powder or Better Than Milk

Soy or Rice powder)

 

In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, peanut butter, and butter to blend. Stir

in remaining ingredients, mixing thoroughly.

 

Spread evenly on a greased 10 " by 15 " jelly roll pan or cookie sheet. Bake in a

300° oven for 45-55 minutes until golden brown. Stir several times while baking.

 

Store in an airtight container.

 

 

Flaxen Cereal Bars

 

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

 

a.. 5 cups vegan rice crisp cereal

b.. 1 cup vegan corn or rice syrup

c.. 1 cup vegan brown sugar

d.. 1 teaspoon vanilla

e.. 1 cup ground flax seed

f.. 1 cup vegan peanut butter

Directions:

 

Mix peanut butter, syrup and vegan sugar. Warm till fairly runny, do not boil.

Stir in flax and vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal and mix. Press into oiled

9x13 pan. I used Earth Balance spread to oil the pan, and to help press the

mixture down.

 

Definitely not low calorie, but a great way to get the kids to eat their flax. I

did not use natural peanut butter, but I think I will try it next time as they

are sweet.

 

Serves: 12

 

Preparation time: 10 minutes

 

 

 

Low Fat Granola

 

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

 

a.. 1 1/2 cups dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, etc.)

b.. 3 cups rolled oats

c.. 1 cup sweetened wheat or corn flakes

d.. 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

e.. 1/2 cup chopped almonds ( optional)

f.. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

g.. 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

h.. 1/2 teaspoon salt

i.. 1/2 cup thawed apple juice concentrate

j.. 1/2 cup vegan maple syrup or vegan honey substitute

k.. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

 

 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Coat 2 baking sheets with vegetable oil cooking

spray and set aside. Place oats in a colander, and dampen with cold water.

Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add cereal flakes, wheat germ,

almonds,cinnamon,nutmeg and salt.

 

In small bowl, combine juice, syrup and vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and stir

until evenly coated. Spread granola mixture in prepared pans. Bake until golden

brown, about 30 to 35 minutes, turning every ten minutes so that it browns

evenly. Stir in fruit and bake 5 minutes more. Let cool, and store in airtight

container until ready to use. This recipe works well with Craisins ( dried

cranberries ), and is awesome in the morning with soymilk, as a cereal. Or you

can pack with the kids for a snack ( or lunch ), also put in plastic bags and

store in the car, or you're purse, and never have to leave the office for lunch.

 

Serves: 6

 

Preparation time: 15 minutes