Homemade Granola Bars

A few weeks ago, DH brought home some yumm-o granola bars from the store. Packaged granola bars. The kiddos inhaled them. So, I went on a search for a just-as-tasty, but healthier alternatives.

We absolutely LOVED these:


Ingredients

* 4 1/2 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2/3 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup honey
* 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips *I used raisins and pecans instead.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter or margarine, honey and brown sugar. Stir in the 2 cups assorted chocolate chips, raisins, nuts etc.
3. Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

As you can see, a third of these yummy bars were snarfed down before I ever had a chance to slice them up. After doing so, I promptly stored them in a Ziploc bag and put them on the top shelf of the pantry. Out of reach. This recipe makes a lot of squares--they lasted us a whole week, snacking on them 2-3 times a day.

I'm sure you can sub wheat flour for the all-purpose and make them even healthier. Or get creative and add dried cranberries or M & Ms. Umm...I'm hungry!

Either way, this is a yummy, healthy snack the whole family will enjoy and you will be satisfied knowing you kids are eating something good for them.

Oh, and we figured the calorie content on them--120 calories for about a 2-inch square. Not bad when paired with a banana or a cup of grapes for a snack.