So I had a friend ask if my blog was only going to post things that were not good for someone on a diet. Well for you I am going to give you a secret about measuring corn syrup then I am going to give you a couple of recipes that will make you want to make them and then work out. Take these on a kayak trip or on a nice Saturday bike ride to your local farmer's market. Let's get the weekend started right. Enjoy!

The best way to measure honey, corn syrup or any thick syrup is to put plastic wrap inside your measuring cup, measure out your liquid and then squeeze the syrup out like a tube of toothpaste.
Let me know if this is too vague and I will post  picture so you can see it in action. Now on to granola bars.

Granola Bars

Ingredients

1 lb. 12 oz. Rolled Oats
12 oz. Coconut flakes, sweetened or unsweetened
12 oz. Slivered Almonds
5 oz. Oat Bran
8 oz. Sesame seeds
7 oz. Pure Maple Syrup
23 oz. Unsalted Butter, melted
8 oz. Honey
14 oz. Brown Sugar
8 oz. Dried Fruit (i.e. blueberries, cranberries, raisins)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°. In large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, almonds, oat bran, sesame seeds, maple syrup and half the butter. Toss well.
2. Divide the mixture evenly between two paper-lined sheet pans. Bake at 375°F frequently tossing the mixture until the ingredients are golden brown and fragrant, about 30 to 45 minutes. Remove the mixture and place ingredients in large bowl.
3. Combine the honey, remaining butter and brown sugar. Mix well. Pour over warm toasted oat mixture. Stir in the fruit.
4. Press the mixture into a paper-lined sheet pan or large cake pan. Press down firmly using a small cutting board or another pan to ensure the ingredients hold together.                                
5. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Invert the pan onto a cutting board covered with parchment paper and cut into bars.

Energy Granola Bars

Ingredients

1 egg
½ cup of Brown Sugar
½ cup dried fruit
½ cup toasted nuts (almonds and walnuts are great)
1 cup of oats
1 tsp. Vanilla Ext.
¼ cup of Chocolate or Carob chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Butter an 8x8 inch pan. Crack the egg into a medium size bowl. Add sugar and vanilla mix thoroughly.
2. Add the oats, fruits and chocolate mix well.
3. Press into the buttered dish and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Let cool completely and cut.