Almond Chocolate Chip Bars Food

HONEY-SWEETENED ALMOND CHOCOLATE CHIP GRANOLA BARS

Steps:

• Line an 8 to 9-inch square baker with two strips of criss-crossed parchment paper, cut to size. In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, almonds, chocolate chips, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine.
• In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, measure out the nut butter. Top with 1/2 cup honey and the vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended. If you must, you can gently warm the liquid mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave, but make sure it's cool before you pour it into the dry mixture (the chocolate chips will melt).
• Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a big spoon to mix them together until the two are evenly combined and no dry oats remain. The drier the mixture, the more firm the bars will be, so stir in extra oats if the mixture seems wet.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared square baker. Use your spoon to arrange the mixture fairly evenly in the baker, then use the bottom of a flat, round surface (like a short, sturdy drinking glass), covered in a small piece of parchment paper (see photo), to pack the mixture down as firmly and evenly as possible.
• Cover the baker and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight. Use a sharp knife to slice the bars. For portability, you can wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Bars keep well for a couple of days at room temperature, but I recommend storing individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for best flavor.

ALMOND CHOCOLATE CHIP BARS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F
• Combine sugar, 1/2 cup butter and almond extract in large mixer bowl.
• Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
• Add egg; mix well.
• Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking powder and salt.
• Beat, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.
• Stir in chocolate chips by hand.
• Spread batter into greased 8-inch square baking pan.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
• Cool completely.
• Combine powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon butter and milk in small bowl; mix well.
• Spread over cooled bars.
• Sprinkle with almonds; press lightly into glaze.

CHOCOLATE ALMOND BARS

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the flour and sugar; cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack., In a saucepan, combine the milk and 1 cup chocolate chips. Cook and stir over low heat until chips are melted. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Stir in egg, almonds and extract. Spread over crust. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpicks inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. In a microwave, melt shortening and remaining chips; drizzle over top. Cut into bars.