So Starbucks has come out with this new Vanilla Spice Latte, and from what I keep reading on other blogs and some peoples Facebook status..most are not a fan. We went out with some friends for happy hour last weekend and on the way to pick up our boys we stopped for a latte. We were the only ones in there, and I’m usually not shy anyways about these types of things, but I almost felt bad asking. I mentioned the vanilla spice latte and was hesitant to order it because of all the bad reviews. I asked the baristas how popular its been and what they’ve seen as the general feedback..mentioning that everything I had heard so far was on the negative side, they kind of laughed it off but I continued to go back and forth and talk to them about it..one liked it, the other was indifferent..so they offered to make me one and if I didn’t like it, they wouldn’t charge me…I had to try it now.
People! I am obsessed! I must have a crazy coffee palate because I love it! I’ve had it a couple times since, and yes, it has a strong cardamom flavor, but I’m a huge fan..I really enjoy it. Its not something I would get every time I went, but I would definitely throw it into my rotation of coffee orders! I think its got really great flavors and adds a little kick to the regular ol’ vanilla latte! So there, if you’ve been hearing lots of negative reviews, there’s a positive one! 😉
What I really want to tell you about are these incredible Skinny Peanut Butter Coconut Granola Bites! They’re so easy and quick to make! They’re healthy, perfect for when you need snacks on the go, and they’ll hold you over for awhile! Other than the honey, there is no added sugar, so these definitely aren’t sweet, you could always throw in 1/2 cup of brown sugar if you wanted them sweeter, but we loved them as is, in there natural form. I brought half of them to my parents house to share, and my brothers devoured them in one night.
My son LOVES peanut butter granola bars, but I know how much added sugar can be in the store bought ones, along with other ingredients I don’t recognize, so these are great for him! And for me! I always get hungry in the afternoon and these are a great, healthy way to myself over! I think you’ll love these little bites! Enjoy!!
These little bites are packed full of healthy fats, and are a great filling snack, perfect for on the go!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup Sweetened Coconut Flakes
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving enough to hang over the edges of the pan.
- In a large bowl mix together the peanut butter, honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the oats, roasted peanuts, and coconut flakes.
- Pour into the lined pan, and firmly press down using a lot of pressure. (I used the bottom of a pan and pretty much put all of my weight into it. Especially the edges!)
- Pop it into the oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges start to turn a golden brown.
- Remove and allow them to fully cool before removing them or cutting into them.
- Once cooled, grab both sides of the hanging parchment paper, remove from pan, and cut into 2 inch squares.
- Store in an airtight container!