Like a lot of good things, it started in the kitchen!
West Hills resident Susie Kalkin was motivated to cook healthier when her father got diabetes. Her son was vegan, and she was tired of buying processed granola in the market. “It was filled with garbage,” Kalkin told Valley News Group. “Sugar-laden and not at all ‘healthy.’”
So Kalkin started experimenting with her own granola recipes. “I fooled around in the kitchen and then sent samples to friends and family to test.”
What started out as a family-driven need grew into an actual business, and Susie Scrumptious Granola Bites was born. Kalkin moved into a commercial kitchen and began selling her granola at local farmer’s markets.
She now offers a “Classic” granola bite, made with almond butter, cinnamon, a brown sugar blend, fresh fruit, golden raisins and almonds. Her “Beyond Scrumptious Bites” add unsweetened coconut and semi-sweet chocolate.
“Susie Scrumptious was founded to create the perfect snack. Nutritious yet decadent, our granola bites are a dulcet blend of oats, almond butter and fresh fruit. The balanced fusion of flavors are then slowly baked to perfection to create a delectable crunch – the ultimate healthy indulgence!” Kalkin says.
“The farmers markets are wonderful,” she added “I connect with people. It makes my heart happy to see the camaraderie, and I now have regular customers.” Her husband says that, “If she had a village she’d have to take care of everyone!”
Susie Scrumptious Bites can be found at the Woodland Hills Farmers Market on Saturday mornings (5650 Shoup Avenue) and online at susiescrumptious.com.
