Have you ever made homemade granola bars? Well I tried it and it was spectacular. It took a little prep time, getting all the ingredients together, but it was worth it. A healthier dessert/snack for us to enjoy. Plus less expensive than the store bought granola bars. Here is the recipe. Just note that it was a bit crumbly when warm, but once it cooled it didn't crumble as bad. Be sure to eat over a napkin or plate so you get every last crumb.Paige"made" Granola Bars
2 C Old Fashion Oats
½ C Flax Seed or Wheat Germ
1 ½ C Mixed Nuts chopped (pecans, almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, etc)
½ C Peanut Butter
½ C Honey
¼ C Brown Sugar packed
2 Tbls Vanilla Extract
½ Tsp Salt
1 ½ C Dried Fruit (raisins, cranberries, blueberries, bananas, mango, pineapple, coconut, etc)
½ C Chocolate Chips (optional) Place over top of granola and heat for 5 minutes or until melted.
Preheat oven to 350ᵒ.
Mix together Oats, Flax Seed, and nuts. Spread onto sheet pan. Toast in oven for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a Medium Saucepan, combine Peanut Butter, Honey, Brown Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt and stir together over Medium Heat. Cook until sugar dissolves and mixture is creamy.
Take Oat mixture out of oven and combine with Peanut Butter mixture and Dried Fruit. Mix together then place in buttered 9x13 glass dish. Bake at 300ᵒ for 20 minutes. If using Chocolate Chips, place over top of granola and heat for 5 minutes or until melted. Then once melted smooth over the top of the granola before it cools.
Let cool and cut into squares. Be sure to cut while it's still a tad bit warm.
NOTE: Place parchment paper in glass dish instead of butter. Parchment paper reduces fat and makes it easier to take the granola out of dish to cut into squares.
Enjoy!!! If you dare to take on the granola challenge.
