Shannon's Tips

SHOPPING TIP
Aldi has just released their generic version of Fiber One bars (We love how filling they are compared to other bars of this type). I just tried the generic version today and they taste almost exactly like Fiber One. They were $1.89 for 5 bars, which I think is quite a bit cheaper than I can get them at Sam's.

KITCHEN TIP
If your children like granola bars, you might try the homemade fruit and cereal bars I made last week. They were a bit hit (My DH said last night that I needed to make them again!). Here's the recipe:

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 T lemon juice
2 1/2 cups whole grain cereal (corn flakes, bran flakes, etc.)
6 oz. dried fruit

-Line 8" square dish with foil & spray with nonstick.
-Heat PB, honey, milk powder & lemon juice in a microwave safe bowl for 4 minutes or until bubbly.
-Remove & stir in cereal and fruit until well mixed
-Scrape into prepared dish and press into even layer
-Cool completely, then cut into squares & wrap in plastic wrap
-Will keep for up to one week (but they may not last that long!)

A few notes from me: These went quickly in my house - I think I will increase the quantities this time and put in a 9 X 13 pan, so that we can have enough for breakfast one day and lunch box treats two days. When I made them before I used about 2 cups corn flakes, 1/2 cup frosted flakes. This time, I have bran flakes and plan to also use some golden grahams. The recipe called for dried tropical fruit, but I had dried berries, so that's what I used before. As I increase the recipe, I'll probably use one bag of mixed dried fruit and supplement with a raisins. I also plan to experiment by adding some whole oats. Finally, I am trying crunchy PB next time because I thought they needed a bit of nuts. You could also mix in a few nuts, but I thought the crunchy PB would do that for me.

Let me know if you vary the recipe with success. I think this is a recipe that can be manipulated in lots of different ways, which is always something I like!

Enjoy!

Shannon