2014 has arrived, and with that comes a new semester. Even though I am looking forward to this spring semester, the realization that my afternoons will no longer be filled with ice skating, watching “Elf”, and drinking hot chocolate is settling in.
Time is suddenly getting shorter and there is much to do including finding where my new classes are and talking to my professors. During the first week back, I run from class to class, meet new people, and try to plan my day accordingly. I normally forget to pack a snack as I am running out the door.
However, this semester will be different. Apple cinnamon bars are the perfect snack while on the go — you can bake them on the weekend, and throw them into your bag to eat later.
Having enough energy and brainpower is important while in class. Those of you who don’t grab something to eat before leaving the house, this applies to you too. You don’t want to feel sluggish and tired because you haven’t had breakfast. Carbohydrates can be broken down into energy almost instantly and used in the body. By using whole grains in this recipe, these apple cinnamon bars provide fiber, which keep you full longer, and contain vitamins and minerals that are not present when using enriched flour.

APPLE CINNAMON BARS
Start to finish: 30 minutes
Servings: 5 bars
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup granola (I used apple coconut muesli cereal)
1 tablespoon raisins
1 teaspoon olive oil

Steps:
Heat the oven to 375 F. In a bowl, mix the butter and sugar. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla.
Once all of the ingredients are mixed, add flour and oats and mix together. Spray a 9×5-inch pan with olive oil. Next, coat the bottom of the pan with granola.
Pour the batter on top of the granola, then top with raisins. Bake at 375 F for 15-20 minutes.

Christina Saschin can be reached at [email protected] or @Stina127 on Twitter.