Even though Christmas is only four days away it sure doesn’t feel like it. Rather than snow it has been pouring rain and thankfully this morning it was somewhat mild out. I was pumped to get out for a early morning run and was glad I laced up before the rain came down. I had a short yet good 37 minute run. I wasn’t worried about time, distance or pace.. well ok, I was trying to keep a fast pace because I didn’t think I would make it far, I was just happy that I was out and moving (and that there is now snow!).

So, on to the good news…

Remember when I expressed my love for Chobani yogurt AND my sadness that it’s not available here in Canada? Well guess what? Chobani must have heard my crying because they wrote me to share the good news that it is NOW AVAILABLE IN CANADA!!! Is anyone else as excited as I am about this?! Come on, please say yes. I did a little happy dance when I read that (it’s true, ask G-Man). They have created a Canada specific site that you can check out here. They sent me a little package in a really cool lunch box with a few flavours to try.  I love all of them but I reallllly like the pomegranate. I love the fact that these small containers (170g) contain 14 g of protein and 0 fat.  That’s my kind of snack. Come on, Canadians… please tell me your as excited as I am that we can now enjoy some Chobani without having to cross the border?——————————————
When G-Man and I got home Sunday night, I wanted to make some granola bars so we would have them for the week although, I didn’t have much on hand. Actually, all I really had on hand was oats, mini chocolate chips and some left over trail mix from I don’t know when (don’t worry, it was still fresh).  I remembered these granola bars that I love and then got to work with adjusting the recipe to use what we had. So really, I give credit to Jenna and her brilliant recipes.
Simple Granola Bars

~ 2 cups whole grain oats
~ 1/3 cup maple syrup/honey*
~ 1/4 cup (heaping) peanut butter
~ 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
~ 2 tsp. vanilla
~ pinch of salt
~ 1/4 cup WildRoots 100% Natural Trail Mix

Directions:
In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients except chocolate chips

Combine maple syrup/honey*, vanilla and peanut butter in saucepan and bring to boil. Lower heat and let simmer for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine heated mixture with dry ingredients and mix.

Add in chocolate chips and mix gently. Place mixture in greased 9 inch pan then allow to cool in fridge before cutting.

This recipe is super easy and super good. As long as you have your base you can really pick and choose what you want to add or omit to your bars and make them to your liking. *I mostly use maple syrup because I find the honey too sweet. Although I do add a very little bit of honey because it holds the bars together nicely.
ENJOY!