To keep my body going and keep that studying energy up, I am continuously looking for new snacks that are low in calories, but will cure that tummy growl and be super tasty. I won't eat things that don't taste good. I know you know what I am talking about. There are a lot of recipes out there that say they are healthy and taste good, but when you go to make it and try it, well, let's just say it's like evil in your mouth. I often wonder if those people lost their sense of taste or they really did think it tasted good. One will never really know.Don't worry though, I won't do that to you. That's just plain mean. So, let me get right to it. I have been trying to find the perfect granola bar recipe for the captain and although some have turned out okay (yes, just okay), I am still trying to find the perfect one. One that doesn't crumble. One that doesn't fall apart when you cut it and one that isn't loaded with sugar and butter just to hold it together. That just defeats the purpose of being a granola bar. I am sure it tastes good, but not so much on the better for you healthy side of things. Which is something I am always looking for.
When I was over visiting my parents a month or so ago, my mom told me about a recipe she saw online for baked oatmeal cups. I thought it sounded good, but wasn't so sure on the baked oatmeal part. I love oatmeal, but since I was on a kick about granola bars, I really wanted to find a recipe that would work for the captain and I. I figured I probably shouldn't dismiss these so quickly and since I had everything in the house to make them, I gave them a whirl. These oatmeal cups are super easy to make and I am sure you have everything you'll need too - bananas, oats, eggs, a little brown sugar, milk (I used unsweetened almond, but you can use any milk of your choice), baking powder, vanilla and mini chocolate chips. Go check your kitchen - I bet you have all of those. Am I right? If you don't have chocolate chips, you can leave them out and add the same amount of chopped nuts or even raisins would do. Stir everything up, fill your sprayed muffin tins and bake for about 15-18 minutes. Although these are not granola bars per say, they are totally filling and curb that afternoon sweet tooth with the little bit of chocolate chips in them. Even better, the captain loves them and I now keep them on stock in the freezer by making a double batch so he can just grab and go whenever he wants. These oatmeal cups are about 130 calories each and totally amazing. They are perfect for breakfast on the go or for that mid morning or afternoon snack. These oatmeal cups are a part of our weekly routine and I am sure they will quickly becomes yours too!
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| the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas! |
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| dry ingredients |
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| wet ingredients |
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| combine and add the chocolate chips (I may have added too many the first time I made these - oops!) |
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| about to go in the oven! |
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| baked and ready to enjoy! |
Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Cups (www.emilybites.com)
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
1 egg
1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk (you can use soy or skim milk if you like)
3/4 cup mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly mist 18 cups in a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites, egg, mashed banana, milk and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until blended together. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Spoon the oatmeal mixture evenly between the prepared muffin cups. Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes or until oatmeal is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Stay tuned for my next version of these oatmeal cups - chocolate covered cherry baked oatmeal cups! Coming soon...
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