Granola Bars

Step 1: Make granola bars.

Step 2: Wrap individually.

Step 3: Package granola bars and watch them disappear.

Alright folks, here it is! These granola bars are super easy to make and even easier to eat. Plus, they are probably the healthiest granola bars who will ever have. (Note: these recipes are completely different: the Oatmeal Raisin type is baked, and the Peanut Butter type is chewier.)

Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup wheat germ or flax seed
• 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup honey
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or 1/4 cup oil + 1/4 cup applesauce)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, wheat germ (or flax seed), walnuts, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.

 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or raisins or dried cranberries)
• 1/2 cup flax seed
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter (use "real" peanut butter, not that Skippy or Jif crap)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the rice cereal, oats, flax seed, and chocolate chips. Set aside. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a medium size bowl, heat the honey in the microwave (just until boiling), then remove from microwave and stir in softened peanut butter, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour over the cereal and oat mixture, and mix well.
3. Press into the prepared pan using the back of a large spoon. Allow to cool, then cut into squares.