Granola Bars

Husband started going to the gym in the evenings (well...most evenings) so wanted to pack something he could eat before his workout. He usually doesn't eat anything after lunch so he needs something by evening. Store-bought bars are ok once in a while, but I'd rather avoid the hidden ingredients in them. Here's how to make your own at home.

Roast the following:
1 cup oats
1 cup puffed rice
2 tbsp sesame seeds (white and/or black)
1 tbsp flax seeds

Keep aside.

In a shallow pan on a low flame, heat
4 tbsp butter
and add (according to taste)
5tbsp brown sugar
5tbsp honey
Stir till the mixture becomes caramalised.

Add a pinch of salt and a few drops of vanilla.

Stir in the roasted items till well coated.

At this point, you could also add chopped dry fruits like walnuts, raisins, almonds or figs. Mix and match according to what you like.

Then evenly spread out the mixture on a non-stick or greased sheet and let it cool. You could push in some chocolate chips at this stage.

Once cool, you can cut them into strips or squares, and store them in an air-tight container.

Chocolate-Chip Cookies

I have nothing against eggs, but sometimes I just don't have them at home when I want to make something. Moreover, many people I know don't eat eggs or are averse to the smell - even in baked goods. So here's the eggless version of the evergreen favourite.

You'll need:
3 tsps flax seed powder soaked for 5 min in 3/4 cup of warm water (OR 3 eggs)
1 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 and 1/2 cup flour (I use regular wholewheat)
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 cup chocolate chips (I use 2 chopped chocolate bars)

Optional stuff:
2 tbsp cocoa powder 
Handful of chopped walnuts

Mix the butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl till smooth. Add the flax seed mixture and stir till well blended. Then sieve in the flour, Cocoa (if using), salt and baking soda and mix well. Add the chocolate and walnuts.

Keep this dough in the fridge for an hour or 2 before baking.
Put spoonful of dough on a greased sheet 2 inches apart then bake it for 15 minutes at 180 deg C.

Cool on a wire rack before devouring.

Makes approximately 25 cookies.