My kids love granola bars. I used to buy the ten packs at the grocery store just to keep them satisfied. However, one day I looked at the ingredients and decided I did not to fill my kids up with chemicals and sugar. For some reason, I thought making granola bars was impossible. I mean who makes them from scratch anyway besides survivalists and super crunchy mamas? As it turns out, many people have decided to take granola bars into their own capable hands. The bars turn out better than what you get in the store. Now be prepared for grumbling children as they are most likely used to store bought. Even though homemade can taste better to us it may take some time for kids who have developed a store bought taste on their tongues. These bars are easy to make and versatile.
Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, 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.
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.