Goji granola bars

Goji berries are packed full of great things for the body, but what can one do with them in a dried state? Sure, they can be eaten like little candies, but eating dried fruits plain isn't always the most appealing way to do it. Dried goji berries can be spiced up with some recipes, and other foods can make them even healthier. Recipes don't have to be complicated, though–the can be as simple as using them in a granola bar.

Granola bars tend to come packaged and in a box, making them easy to carry around and a quick snack to curb hunger. This can be cheaply done at home, though, without all the extra money spent on packaging. Granola bars are simple and easy to make, as well as easily customizable.

2 cups nuts
1 cut dried fruits
3 cups of oats
1 cup syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon

The ingredients are just that simple. Chop up the desired nuts–walnuts or almonds tend to be popular, but brazil nuts are great too. Mix these with the oats, which can be dressed up at will. Oats can also be mixed with rice crisp cereal for a change. Add dried fruits–in this case, goji berries–to the dry mixture, mix in the cinnamon and salt, and set it aside.

In a sauce pan, pour in a cup of syrup and boil it gently. It's best to use real maple syrup, but whatever is on hand will work. Make sure it doesn't burn while it's boiling. Add the vanilla and salt and let it boil for a little while until it thickens nicely. While it's boiling, grease a glass pan.

When the syrup is thick, drizzle it over the dry mixture and toss it all together until it becomes a sticky mass. Press it into the glass pan, using your hands if it's cool enough, or some aluminum foil to protect your skin. Let it cool, then cut it up.

These bars can be stored or eaten at home or taken anywhere in plastic bags, saran wrap, or tin foil coverings. They're perfect for eating quickly or just as a snack and not only taste good but are wonderful for your body. The recipe can be played with at will–this is just a base recipe–and would probably do good with some honey drizzled over the dry mixture. Remember that health is at your fingertips with just a little creativity, and eating right is better than eating less.