Most preschoolers love snack bars, but since many of them have such small appetites, every bite counts. These granola bars contain very little sugar and a "secret" healthy ingredient--pumpkin--which is a great source of vitamin A and fiber.
3/4 cup pumpkin purée
1 egg
3 tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
2 cups old-fashion rolled oats
1/2 cup finely chopped nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, toasted almonds or hazelnuts
1/4 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit, such as pears, apricots, or apples
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Zest of 1 orange
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Spray a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
Step 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, egg, brown sugar, butter, and honey.
Step 4
Add the oats, nuts, dried fruit, wheat germ, cinnamon, and orange zest.
Step 5
Scrape the batter into the baking pan, and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 6
Cool completely before cutting into 1- by 2-inch sticks. These bars firm up as they cool, so wrap them individually and freeze.
