“Good Marriage” Bars
I went to a wedding shower for Lisette, my friend and co-worker, on on Thursday night. For the past few weeks, she and I have had this endless conversation about these granola bars that I make. When we first started talking about it, I gave her the recipe, but she misplaced it. I wrote it out a second time, but she had not had a chance to make them yet. But we’ve been talking about them forever. Well, I decided that even though it had nothing to do with a wedding, I would make some for her and throw them in with the rest of my gift to her. Then the more I thought about it, I realized that this list of “ingredients” might be a little more “wedding-oriented” than I originally thought. I decided to have some fun with analogies and include a “Recipe for Success” for her married life as well. The neat thing is, I think this meant more to her than my “real” gift (something that is green and always the right size…) Here’s the actual list of all the ingredients I used (except that I forgot the flour…) along with my analogies…
DATES ~ go on them! Do special things for each other to keep your relationship sweet!
NUTS ~ do silly things together! There is a time to be serious, but don’t be afraid to go nuts and get crazy every now and then.
OATS ~ the “bulk”, used to keep things moving (and not just your digestive system!) Make sure you have good communication to keep the relationship moving forward.
MAPLE SYRUP ~ Keep your focus on God – that’s the glue that will hold all the other ingredients together!
WHEAT GERM ~ As your start your new life together, keep some old traditions from childhood to remember where you came from (*Lisette had told me stories of how wheat germ reminds her of when she was little, b/c her mom would make her put it on her oatmeal)
FLAX SEEDS ~ As you grow together, start some new traditions that are just yours! (*Lisette was not too sure about these when I first mentioned them, and I had to bring her some for her to sample…)
EGGS ~ Cast your cares and worries on Christ. “Take my ‘yoke’ upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
VANILLA ~ the old standby…simple, everyday experiences together can add lots of flavor and meaning to your relationship…
CINNAMON ~ …but don’t be afraid to spice things up a bit, and find new ways to keep your relationship colorful!
Who knew granola bars could be a metaphor for good relationships! 🙂 Lisette said that she is going to frame it and put in her kitchen as a reminder for both her and Jay on the days when (not if!) being nice doesn’t come natural.
7 Responses to ““Good Marriage” Bars”
I think this made a perfectly LOVELY gift, and I would almost bet that she valued these charming comments more than the bars!
🙂
Very cute idea Erica. I have been looking for a good granola bar recipe. Would you mind emailing it to me? Also, do these turn out crunchy or chewy? Thanks, Kristy
Erica, I was led here from your mom’s newsletter, and love the Marriage Bar ‘recipe’. I’m going to keep reading your blog, and would also like your granola bar recipe. Sharon
I, too, would love the recipe. Thanks for the lovely thoughts.
I’ve had a lot of requests for the “actual” recipe, so here it is, for any who are interested…
Ingredients –
¾ cup oats
¼ cup ground flax seeds (if you don’t have those just use extra wheat germ)
2 T wheat germ
½ cup flour (I use whole wheat)
¼ cup nuts
½ cup dried fruit
Pinch of salt
½ T of cinnamon
1T vanilla
1 egg
½ cup of maple syrup (or I have also tried with honey…I bet molasses would work well also)
Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 350 and line a 8 x 8 (the half size casserole dish) w/foil (the foil just makes it easier to pop out…) spray pam or lightly grease the foil.
2.While you gather your ingredients and the oven is preheating, toast the nuts and oats in the oven for 5-10 minutes (DO NOT skip this step…I did once and they came out really dry and hard)
3.In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together
4.Then add liquid ingredients, and stir together until you have a big wet clump
5.Spread mixture into the baking dish, and make sure to press down nice and hard to get everything compact.
6.Bake for 25 minutes or until done.
****I have done a lot of experimenting with specifics on the nuts and dried fruit. My favorite combo is walnuts and dates. I also enjoyed Almond/cranberry, and Steve’s favorite has been Cashews/Chocolate Chips. Enjoy!
I’ve tried these bars and they are yummy!
Erica, you are as witty and bright as your mother! She was my boss for several years, and a fine one, too! Thank you for sharing something positive with the world…..it sure needs hope.