Homemade Granola Bars

So as I was checking out Facebook this past week, I saw a post by my friend Annie mentioning that she’d made homemade granola bars and how good they were.  This immediately grabbed my attention, as Allison LOVES granola bars, but as I’ve told you before, *I* do not love high fructose corn syrup, which is found in many store bought granola bars.  I’ve managed to avoid it, but only by buying the more expensive bars that cost almost a dollar each!  Like most mamas, I try to save every penny I can, and at a dollar a pop, granola bars are a rare treat in this house.

I asked Annie to share her recipe, which she happily did, and I was thrilled to see that not only was in inexpensive to make, but it was easy too! Allison loves to help me in the kitchen, and I love having her as my little sous chef.  I also firmly believe that kids are much more likely to eat what we want them to if they are able to help in the preparation, so this was the perfect recipe for us to try.

HOMEMADE GRANOLA BARS

4 c. uncooked oatmeal
1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients and press into well greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees until brown and bubbly. Do not overbake.

How easy was that?

Although this recipe calls for walnuts, I replaced those with chocolate chips (I’ll try carob next time) and the results were fabulous. I’m going to experiment with other ingredients as well, such as cranberries and other dried fruit.  Allison and I both LOVED these, and Annie, you’re right,  it’s really tough not to eat them all in one sitting!

I’d love to hear what YOU think — leave a comment or email me at oneupskimom@gmail.com.