Meet my nephew…James Terrence Linton.

He graced us with his presence on June 14th, and based on his arrival we have learned that he is stubborn, strong and active!  He is truly wonderful and I still can’t believe that he is real, and that I will get to watch him grow and be his aunt.  I am so proud of my sister and excited for her and her husband, Pat as they become a family.

As typical, I celebrated with food.  I whipped up some dinners to put in the freezer for the new parents.  A few things that require little effort but are comforting and filling.  I also made these homemade granola bars.  They are full of all sorts of goodness to keep Lindsay and Pat fueled through late night feedings, early mornings and those times when James isn’t into sleeping 🙂

Oh Boy Bars!

yield a 9×13 pan

1 2/3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/3 cup oat flour (or whole wheat)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup natural unsalted peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
6 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
1/4 cup honey + 2 Tbsp
1 T water

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Mix oats, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, raisins and chocolate chips in a large bowl.
In a medium bowl mix together peanut butter, vanilla, coconut oil, honey and water.  Add wet to dry and fold together till everything is mixed.

Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.  Spray parchment paper with pan spray and pour batter into pan.  Spread out evenly.  Bake for 30 minutes and then check, the edges should be golden.

Let cool overnight and then lift out and cut into bars.  These treats keep for a few days in an airtight container.