This morning the Galotti Boys rejoiced and celebrated! Finally, after months of trying different recipes, I think we've got an Oatbar recipe that tastes like the ones from Starbucks. This is a big deal for Jake and Josh. I even heard these words: "Mom, you are the BEST Mom ever!" We did it, boys. We cracked the code.
Here's the background. Justin and I are entirely cliche, and love going to Starbucks. We love being there, and we love the bold, dark taste of the coffee from there. Our mutual affection for Starbucks has definitely added a level of joy and commitment to our marriage that never would have there if, say, one of us preferred Tim Horton's or Second Cup. (Am I joking right now?) Apparently, corporations with incredible marketing and awesome coffee have the ability to completely brainwash Justin and I. And not only this, but we've indoctrinated our young children to love Starbucks as much as we do. In fact, just last week Joshua was asked what would be a nice treat for him. The two-year-olds response was this: "Um, maybe Starbucks in Bloor West?"
Here's the background. Justin and I are entirely cliche, and love going to Starbucks. We love being there, and we love the bold, dark taste of the coffee from there. Our mutual affection for Starbucks has definitely added a level of joy and commitment to our marriage that never would have there if, say, one of us preferred Tim Horton's or Second Cup. (Am I joking right now?) Apparently, corporations with incredible marketing and awesome coffee have the ability to completely brainwash Justin and I. And not only this, but we've indoctrinated our young children to love Starbucks as much as we do. In fact, just last week Joshua was asked what would be a nice treat for him. The two-year-olds response was this: "Um, maybe Starbucks in Bloor West?"
Needless to say, the boys LOVE the oatbars from there. It's a pleasant coincidence that this treat also happens to be the cheapest thing on the Starbucks menu. We've tried several times to make them at home and I've obviously googled "starbucks + oatbars + recipe", but in the past my efforts have yielded little fruit. Today, all that changed.
And just so you don't fear that we've somehow allowed Baby Ella to escape the Starbucks indoctrination...
It's water. She only started sipping from a straw in the past few days, so I've been sharing my water with her. (Incidentally, I've discovered that having a cup that you 'enjoy' drinking water out of, like a giant starbucks one with a jumbo straw such as this, makes it easier to drink lots of water. So thanks, Justin, for bringing this home for me!)
And just in case your children might enjoy these, here's the recipe:
Melt 1/3 cup of butter
Add 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla
Bring to a light boil
Add 4 cups of quick rolled oats
Stir over heat for a couple minutes
Press into a lightly greased 8x8 pan
After smoothing the top, score the top with lines
Allow to cool a bit, then cut all the way through
Allow to cool completely, then ENJOY!!
