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Yesterday life took a very small unexpected turn. I went to bed Tuesday feeling rotten and woke up Wednesday feeling even worse. Luckily, I already had a doctor’s appointment scheduled first thing for an unrelated follow-up, so I was able to get started on some medication. As soon as we returned home, I made Summer an early lunch and got into bed.
Summer was right beside me every step of the way. I had a fever, which put me in and out of consciousness. At one point, Summer surrounded me with about 15 of her stuffed animals because she wanted to tuck me in all nice and cozy. She also got me water, held my hand, and brought her little DVD player into bed with us so that we could watch movies on it instead of having to get up and down to change out new ones. Oh, and she even took some pictures….because that is what Momma does. I had no idea that a sick day could turn into a day with some definite memory-making moments. But, it did. Sometimes, many times, there is so much beauty in the unexpected.
Such was the case when I decided to make the No Bake Chocolate Chip Granola Bars that I found on sweet Lauren’s blog. As I have mentioned many times, I am always looking for snack and breakfast recipes. It is a bonus if it can play a dual role. So, even though we already have a Granola Bar recipe that we love, I knew that, after making The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever, Lauren’s recipes are the real deal. The granola bars were a hit. And, on a day like yesterday when I was partly taken out of commission, it is always nice to have homemade treats on hand for the littles.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups quick cooking oats {not rolled oats!}
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir oats and rice cereal together, and set aside.
- In a small cooking pan, melt butter, honey, brown sugar, and peanut butter together over medium high heat until it comes to a bubble.
- Reduce the heat and cook 2 more minutes.
- Pour in vanilla and stir.
- Pour over the cereal/oats mixture, and stir to combine.
- Cover a 12x8 or 13x9 pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Pour in the oats mixture and press out to be about 3/4 inch in thickness. It is very important to really press the mixture down so that they stick together.
- Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and press down lightly.
- Cool to room temperature for at least 2 hours.
- Store covered or wrapped in plastic wrap to hold in the freshness.
Enjoy your day…and find the beauty in the unexpected.
I linked up at the following:
Mrs. Fox’s Sweets for Mrs. Fox’s Sweets Party
Polkadots on Parade for Wow Me Wednesday
Sugar and Dots for What I Whipped up Wednesday
Something Swanky for Sweet Treats Thursday
Glad you don’t sleep like your mother or you wouldn’t have been using them on your blog. Hope you are feeling better now. You have several busy days ahead. Rest up. Summer is too sweet. You have taught her very well on caring for others.
Well, it was not the most flattering picture. Just keeping it real.
Yes, I need rest…could you tell that to the littles. For some reason, they wanted breakfast, lunch, a snack, and dinner today. 
And, yes, Summer is a sweet little care-giver, always preparing to be a momma. I love watching her blossom into such a kind, respectful, sweet little lady.