Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Stir to ensure they are well mixed.1 cup Whole Wheat Flour, 1/2 cup Rolled Oats
- Add the unsweetened applesauce, grated carrots, and flaxseed meal to the dry ingredients. Stir these in until a crumble forms.1/4 cup Unsweetened Applesauce, 1/4 cup Grated Carrots, 1 tablespoon Flaxseed Meal
- Gradually add the water, starting with about 1/4 cup, and mix until a firm dough begins to form. You may need to add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer crumbly but holds together when squeezed.1/2 cup Water
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes until it’s smooth.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into strips, approximately 1/2 inch wide and 4-6 inches long, to resemble chew sticks.
- Place the chew sticks onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the sticks feel firm and dry to the touch.
- Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the sticks cool completely inside the oven for an additional hour. This helps them dry out and become chewier.
- Once completely cooled, remove from the oven and let them air dry further on a wire rack for a few hours or overnight for maximum chewiness and shelf life.
Notes
Store completely cooled chew sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
