My mother hates anything that isn’t chocolate (a story I’ve told here again and again). So we never really had Rice Krispie treats in the house when we were growing up. “Vanilla?” she’d ask. “What’s the point in that?” Well here’s the point: those treats are the perfect canvas for other flavors. I pulverized lots of freeze dried fruit and baked up many colorful batches of these and I can’t pick a favorite! I guess you’ll just have to weigh in ;)
These bars have proven to be so popular that I’ve baked them up for all sorts of different crowds. My latest batch? Gluten free and dairy free, totally vegan, and unbearably tasty. Just like the first batch, these are studded with candied ginger, though this time I opted to use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
I only ever think to make granola as a gift for houseguests and friends, which is absurd because I love it. In fact, I nibble away so defiantly at my own gift-batches, that I have to make an entire second batch to give. I’m trying to remedy that habit this year with regular Sunday granola baking this year.
A perfect dessert for Lunar New Year, I love to top this cake with plum preserves. Make two so you can keep one in the freezer, an emergency cake never goes to waste!