This no bake peanut butter chocolate chip homemade chewy granola bars post is sponsored by the Texas Peanut Producers Board. All opinions expressed are my own.
Did you know peanuts grow underground?
Did you know they are not even a nut, but a legume?
Peanuts are fascinating little plant, since they are so versatile. They are enjoyed from salty to sweet. Did you know there are four varieties of peanuts? Spanish, Virginia, Runner and Valencia, and all these varieties can be grown in Texas.
I had the chance to visit Lubbock Texas with the Texas Peanut Producers Board to meet a peanut farmer and to learn all about farming and peanuts to bring you this dish.
From Farm to Table
While I was in Lubbock, we had the chance to follow the peanut from the farm to the table.
It all starts in the field with a farmer. We had the opportunity to meet Mason Becker. For Mason farming is a way of life. According to him, his tractor costs more than his first home.
Mason is a multi-generational farmer and hopes to pass the love of farming to his children. He is bringing new knowledge and technology to his generation of farming. Many ideas his father did not have available when he started farming. You can hear his passion in his voice.
After the peanut leaves the field it needs to be cleaned, broken open and processed. This is no small feat. We were able to visit Birdsong processing plant. They store peanuts in a large warehouse that holds up to 60,000 pounds of peanuts. At Birdsong is where the magic journey of a peanut begins. They break open the peanut, sort the peanuts and store the peanuts for wholesale to clients. The clients then make peanut butter, candy and peanut snacks for your table. Nothing goes to waste at the plant. Peanuts are a sustainable crop.
Farming Isn’t Just for Peanuts
Many peanut farmers in the region farm cotton, wheat and grapes. Cotton, wheat and peanuts are planted in the same fields for crop rotation to help keep the soil healthy. Many peanut farmers also grow grapes.
Who knew the high plains Texas region is perfect for grape growing? Not just any grapes, but wine making grapes. Many different grape varietals can be grown in this region of Texas.
We had the chance to meet Steve Newsom from Trilogy Cellars. If there is one thing you can tell from this Texas farmer, is you can hear the passion in his voice as he talks about his love of farming. If you are ever in the Texas high plains you should check out Trilogy Cellars in Levelland, Texas.
How Can You Help
Did you know most all governments subsidize their farmers? You may be wondering how you can help a farmer. In order to compete in a global market, our farmers must obtain government subsidies to “level the global field” in farm production. This is in no way a handout, but merely a way for an american farmer to stay competitive in a global economy. Consider supporting your local farmers and farming industry by learning more about farm legislation. Please reach out to your congressperson to assist in supporting american farmers or assist the Texas Peanut Producers Board.
Peanut Inspiration
While I was on my visit, I was able to taste many peanut inspired dishes. Who knew a peanut could be so versatile from appetizer to dessert. I will never think of peanuts in the same way after this trip. After my visit I was inspired to make a peanut snack you can’t resist. I just love granola bars and my kids do too.
No Bake Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
Ingredients for homemade chewy granola bars
3 Cups whole oats
1 Cup peanut butter
1/2 Cup honey
1/3 mini chocolate chips
1/4 mini chocolate chips for the top
Directions for peanut butter chocolate chip homemade chewy granola bars
In a saucepan on low heat melt the peanut butter and honey together. Try not got let this get too hot. You want them to just blend together.
Next add the peanut butter and honey to the oats and mix until the oats are fully coated.
Now add the 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips and stir to incorporate.
Spread the entire mixture in a 9 X 9 pan or 11 X 7 pan. I love to use the 11 X 7 for making bars.
Let cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour and cut as you see fit. Store in an air tight container in the fridge for about 1 week.
No Bake Goodness
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Chewy Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients for homemade chewy granola bars
- 3 Cups whole oats
- 1 Cup peanut butter
- 1/2 Cup honey
- 1/3 mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 mini chocolate chips for the top
- Directions for peanut butter chocolate chip homemade chewy granola bars
Instructions
-
Peanut butter Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
-
In a saucepan on low heat melt the peanut butter and honey together. Try not got let this get too hot. You want them to just blend together.
-
Next add the peanut butter and honey to the oats and mix until the oats are fully coated.
-
Now add the 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips and stir to incorporate.
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homemade chewy granola bars in pan
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Spread the entire mixture in a 9 X 9 pan or 11 X 7 pan. I love to use the 11 X 7 for making bars.
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Let cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour and cut as you see fit. Store in an air tight container in the fridge for about 1 week.
What a treat for snack time? These are best served with a glass of cold milk. Feel free to experiment with crunchy peanut butter, adding peanuts instead of chocolate chips or mix in whatever you love.
How do you plan on using peanuts in your next dish?
Those bars look so good. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing
Your No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Homemade Chewy Granola Bars sound delicious. I grew up on a farm and there is nothing like watching something grown from a seed to a mature plant. I feel blessed that I grew up understanding how food comes to be. It is fun that you got an opportunity to follow some food from the farm to the table. Farm equipment is expensive and farming is hard, but it is so rewarding. Thank you for sharing at Sugar and Spice.