I’m more festive than I thought: Minty Green Granola Bars

Just popping in with a quick post for an even quicker snack…

After writing just a few days ago about how un-festive I am when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, I show up with another St. Patty’s Day-related food post. Guess that makes me a liar…but I do have a good reason for all this newfound festivity: I found a bag of mint and dark chocolate chips that have been in my cupboard since Christmas. Since I missed that boat, St. Patrick’s Day seemed like the next logical choice. And I wanted granola bars. Win, win.

No-Bake Mint Chocolate Granola Bars

3 cups granola (I used honey and oats with almond flavor)

1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped

1/2 cup plain M&Ms (green if you’re feeling festive)

1/2 cup mint and dark chocolate chips*

1/4 cup yogurt chips

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 stick unsalted butter

2 tablespoons lite corn syrup

Combine granola and cashews in a large bowl.

Heat sugar, butter and corn syrup in a small saucepan until melted. Simmer for a few minutes until sugar is completely dissolved. Pour immediately over granola and stir until completely coated. Stir in M&Ms and all chips.

Pour granola into an ungreased 9x13 baking pan. Using your fingers, press mixture firmly into pan.

Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, run a knife along all sides and turn pan over onto a cutting board. Cut into bars.

Store in refrigerator.

*Any kind of chips can be substituted, especially since the mint and dark chocolate chips are apparently seasonal. Andes makes mint chocolate baking chips that would work well.

These are ridiculously fast to make, you can throw anything you want in them, and they make a hearty snack. I can’t say they’re super healthy since they’re heavy on the chocolate and sugar, but they sure taste good.

And if you’re still looking for a festive meal for tomorrow, check out my Corned Beef Tacos with Creamy Guinness Dipping Sauce.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!