Homemade Granola Bars. New Zealand.

3 years ago i spent the summer in New Zealand for my own personal satisfaction of doing every single thing the contestants from the previous 'Bachelor' had done (you would too if you saw it). Oh, and modeling.

I left Utah wondering what i was going going to do on a plane for 26 hours (lies). I was accompanied by another model, Briann; I didn't know her that well but she sure had a lot of spunk for a model that was only 5'7 and 17 years old. She informed me that we would not be spending 26 hours on the plane but a mere 14 and if i wanted to count the 9 hour layover at LAX as 'hell time' it'd be okay with her. Thank goodness she knew about this international travel business. Bon Voyage!

When we landed in New Zealand we went through customs and were grilled by two officers who seriously doubted that we were only students (our work visa's hadn't arrived yet). Somehow, using my old blonde student i.d. we passed their tests and got out of the airport ASAP. When we arrived at our respective apartments it was apparent that i was to be living with 3 boys--not cool-- and Brianne with a lovely make up artist and her boyfriend. I was a more than a little peeved and Brianne offered to switch with me; i was in no position to argue and accepted. Thank goodness for this girl, things were beginning to look up. 

The weeks went by without a gym pass, car, phone, or a reasonable internet connection. I cried a lot, worked a lot, and walked A LOT. For instance, if i had a job at 7 a.m., 10 miles away, I would wake up at 5 a.m., walk 2 hours, do the job and then repeat the cycle --backwards and in the dark (no worries, i had mase). To be young and so dumb; I don't think there's a single atom in my brain that would allow me to do that today.

Like any normal -non alien and skinny weirdo, I needed energy for these lengthly walks and strange alley ways weren't going to cut it. I needed food, yummy, fresh, tasty FOOD. (nom nom nom). I found it x10. I found unbelievable carrots, apples, (if you ever go there please taste their produce and you'll know why I rave about a carrot and apple) and granola bars -i.e. a healthy persons candy bar. 

New Zealand sells these granola bars called 'Tasti', and they are TASTY. So tasty that when i left NZ (2 ish months later) i brought 4 boxes with and wrote the company asking if they would please help with my depression and accept my offer of distributing in the US from the back of my Chevy.  Sadly, they declined my offer and i was left to find my own remedy and replacement for 'Tasti' granola bars. So sweet, chewy, salty, la la la la i'm day dreaming now.

with no further ado... 

Honey Granola Bars

Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. 

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature. 

NOTES: i never said "tasti" was the healthiest granola bar... only the tastiest. For that i've got another recipe--this one has a lot of sugar per gram but freak, it's a granola bar... doesn't that count for something?

GranolaTips

Bake at a Low Temperature: granola from the store has a weird white color to it... the beauty of homemade granola is getting that perfectly golden color that when baked at a low temperature in the oven for 30-45 minutes gives it a crunchy and deep flavor.

Make it Clustered: Honey bunches of oats had it right when it created the Just Clusters division... we all LOVE clusters... it breaks up the texture and gives our tongues an entirely new factor to enjoy. To achieve these clusters... add some water to the mixture and squeeze with your hands (mixed with the starchy oats or wheat germ it will create a mortar or glutinous consistency).

Use dry AND wet sweetners... such as honey or agave, molasses, and brown sugar/white sugar.

Pick good quality Oats: Come on people... its the basis of the granola... you can shell out for the quality brand which is probably 1 or 2 dollars more... and pick the Old fashioned oats... vs. the quick cooking-which makes the granola starchy.

Wisconsin Custard

Last August i was sitting in the condo watching my 5th hour of Food Network not able to stomach anything but gummy bears and bread. The gummy bears were probably in my head much like the Copps Custard i would soon discover to conveniently 'stay' in my upset tummy (why does tummy sound like a five year olds word?). I called my good friend Liz over to keep me company and she sneakily brought with her two containers of this yolk based ice cream i'd heard so much from "Wisconsin-ers". It did not disappoint in the slightest.

In philanthropical news, The Brewers Wives are hosting a charity in the next couple weeks which required me to do some shopping, so here i am looking around! (Though i am not a wife the girls are thoughtful/kind enough to include me, so hurray.)

Breakfast. Cinnamon Apples.

When i was in high school i absolutely adored Hogi yogi's Terriyaki Stix. If you've never been there its basically Subway offering Japanese Food on the side (interesting combination). It works. Their teriyaki bowl contained white sticky rice and a heaping spoonfull of teriyaki sauce and chicken. The sauce was where it was at. Why? Sugar. Sugar seems to make the world go around happily. I'll stop there.

Unfortunately, high school doesn't last forever and learning kicks in in University Nutrition class. Sugar doesn't exactly make the best start to your day so after five years i've finally figured out what is okay to eat in the morning. Oatmeal, good.  Oatmeal with Cinnamon Carmelized Apples, better.  Bulgar with Cinnamon Carmelized Apples, now that's a great start to my morning.

Bulgar may intimidate you but it has more fiber, protein, and less calories than traditional oats. This particular breakfast contains 48% of your DV for Fiber; So long fiber cereal, hello natural.

Start with 1/4 cup dry Bulgur and 1 Cup of Water in a pot. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the bulgur has puffed up and absorbed water.

 Then slice up your apples and add 1/4 cup of water, cinnamon, maple syrup, and nuts to the pan. Cover and let the apples steam and soften.

 Pour over your bulgur and enjoy your healthy morning!

Breakfast serves: 1

Bulgur. Apples. Cinnamon.

Bulgur

1/4 cup bulgur

1 cup water

Apple Topping

1 apple (i used Granny Smith)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tsp maple syrup (or another sweetener that you like)

6 pecan halves, broken in hands

Optional: 1 tablespoon of greek yogurt for apple pie/ice cream lovers ;)

Calories: 283 Fiber:12.1g 

Greek Yogurt. Whole Wheat. Pancakes.

'Do you still want a cupcake shop?' was the question. 'No', was the answer. Sadly, i have concluded that I'm not entirely comfortable with making unhealthy-though extremely satisfying- baked goods or meals on a daily basis. Further, does a 'healthy cupcake' really taste just as good as an 'unhealthy' one? Hmm I'm not sure, but it just isn't as fun.

What i do know is that when it comes to pancakes, these tiny edible pillows taste perfectly wonderful regardless of how 'wholesome' they are. It's a beautiful thing. So beautiful that if we don't tell the white flour lovers, men, and junk food eaters in our life that these pillows of heaven are actually 'healthy', there's no way they will notice. They will gush and lick their plates. I myself waited anxiously for my fathers 'gushing' remarks after he glanced at me prepping ingredients and uttered 'Carbs Lara?'.
He doesn't understand slow burning carbs, fiber, protein, or 38 calories a pop.

p.s. makes 12 Lil babies.

Greek Yogurt. Blueberries. WW Pancakes.

<1/2 Cup whole wheat flour

1 Tablespoon date sugar (or white sugar/honey if you don't have it)

1 Teaspoon baking soda

1/2 Teaspoon salt

1 Cup Low Fat Greek Yogurt

2 Large eggs

1/2 Teaspoon vanilla extract

3 Tablespoons milk (I use almond milk... add more if needed)

Butter for cooking

Blueberries

Maple syrup for munching

Whisk to combine dry ingredients in a large bowl and add the Greek yogurt until just combined. Follow with the rest of wet ingredients. Batter will be runny. Use an ice cream scoop and spoon onto a buttered 300 degree griddle or pan over medium heat. When you see bubbles popping the pancakes are ready to flip, add blueberries now if you wish. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden. 

Serve with warm maple syrup and enjoy. 

The best Chocolate Cake. Strawberries. Meringue

In 23 years of living i've realized, finally, that if you are good enough, smart enough, powerful enough, or funny enough, your 'talent' will be spoken for or speak for itself. For instance, when i was home, i found myself reading my little brothers 7th grade yearbook. It seemed to me that according to a lot of girls and boys, my brother was nice, funny, and smart. Not once have i ever heard him say these things yet i completely agree. 

My feeling is that this is also true for this Chocolate Cupcake with Chocolate Meringue Icing. Just - look. at. it. This is a chocolate cake recipe to remember. 

Chocolate.Cake. Strawberries. 

2 sticks butter

2 cups water

pinch of salt

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup crème fraiche or sour cream

1 3/4 cups flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsps baking soda

2 eggs (3 eggs for taller, cakier cupcakes)

1) Place butter, water and salt in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1 minute or melt in a

saucepot. Remove and stir until all the butter is melted in the water. Whisk in the cocoa powder

and set aside.

2) In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar and baking soda.

3) Using a wooden spoon, add the butter mixture to the flour and stir until just incorporated.

4) Whisk in the eggs and stir until well incorporated. Add the crème fraiche and mix until no

streaks remain.

5) Pour into parchment-paper lined pans. This recipe makes about 2 dozen cupcakes.

6) Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Cocoa. Meringue. Icing.

3 egg whites

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 pack small strawberries

1) Place egg whites in a double broiler over low heat. Warm egg whites through and add sugar, whisk until melted through. 

2) Remove the egg whites from the heat and add to stand mixer when cool. 

3) Whisk until soft peaks form and add the cocoa powder

4) Once you have stiff peaks remove and add to a piping bag. 

5) Pipe onto cupcakes and top with strawberry. 

Home. Utah

Horray Horray Horray!!! I rarely get to go home... but when i do it's the greatest trip... my family is amazing! Maya and my mom picked me up from the airport and we immediately went to Smiths (the greatest grocery store ever). When we finally got home i was greeted with a large pot of Quinoa and Lentil Soup (my favorite). My mother sure knows how to greet someone at the door. 

Next up, Maya's dance recital at LPHS #throwback. Maya is a wonderful and talented dancer... she did such an impressive job in her dance recital and i was so happy i got to see it! 

 One of my favorite parts of the weekend... Seeing Stellar Machellar and Slee again!!! We went to Cafe Rio and visited the Alpine Art Center which is a beautiful building at the entrance of Alpine that holds different types of events. I may or may not want to have a reception there... one day, someday.

Later that night when i was cleaning my old room I found this baseball that R signed nearly 3 years ago when he first came to Utah; it made me smile.

 Anyway, here's one of my beautiful little sisters before we left to the family dinner at the newly opened Texas de Brazil.

My dads AMAZING prime rib roast.

Amazing weekend... complete with a backyard movie, baked beans, and roast. 10 star meal. bam. I love Utah. 

LA Dodgers Series

This week was spent at home in LA.  It was lovely and too good to be true for too long. Besides sweeping the Dodgers; the week contained filming a music video for R's friend Kelley James. Video of him rapping to 'Wonderwall' below. Click ITTTTT. 

 I brought Rochelle and Rebecca to the games with me... even my Dad made an appearance. On my way to Rebecca's place i jumped in my car only to find that the valet had stolen my car charger... awesome. I had 4% battery left. DUM-DUMS. Somehow i made it to her place anyway and we enjoyed dodger dogs (regretfully), popcorn, and hot chocolate.

When Rochelle came with we were lucky enough to have front row seats given the fact that it was Diane's birthday. Sitting front row is worth it for the food, period. They have this little underground area housing professional chefs and every bit of dinner and treat you could ever crave. We indulged our cravings for about 2 innings before heading back out to actually watch the game. On our way out we saw saw Josh and Frankie (from the Hill's) and after we talked to them i witnessed Rochelle's severe celebrity heart palpitations. Entertaining enough.

After four days with my love in Malibu it was off to the airport--To UTAH!!! until then... xx

25 Calorie Meringue Cookies

In High School Pro Start class we used to make Pavlova Pillows filled with Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries and Whipped Cream. That combination was heavenly and until the addition of whipped cream, fat free. Granted, fat free means sugar but nonetheless, for dessert, that's not so bad. These are simple and only 25 Calories. The perfect 'Model Eats' Dessert. 

Meringue Cookies by Ellie Krieger

FYI: I make mine without chocolate but that's only because I used these in another another dessert. 

Friends For The Weekend

This lovely week i flew from LAX to Milwaukee with my lovely friend Olivia (her man plays for the Twins)! She is recently engaged and we talked 'wedding' the entire red-eye flight.

When we landed we made our ways to our respective sleeping arrangements and when i got into the apartment i found this lovely bag sitting on the floor. 

smile. smile. smile. 

pretty necklace. 

I'm obsessed with this cake.

It was a BEAUTIFUL night on the water. 

Here we are for 'Round 2' of 'RB's Graffito.'

Egg White Omelette

Brioche French Toast and Berries. Yes, please. 

Eggs Benedict for Olivia

Of course, we went to the games.

-he loves me-

The end.