Our new favorite treat

In my efforts this year to decrease excess trash (processed foods have a lot of unnecessary wrapping and therefore increase trash consumption) and eat more whole foods I have been experimenting with different recipes. I find that things we use to buy in the past are fairly easy to make, taste better, and are much healthier to boot. Tonight I thought I would share one of our favorites. I have to admit though I think I have created a couple picky little monsters who at no cost want to eat processed store bought granola bars anymore. Go ahead give 'em a try.
I am sure you'll be hooked!

Granola Bars

• 2 cups Rolled Oats
• 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
• 3/4-1 cup Chocolate Chips
• 3/4-1 cup Peanuts
  
• ½ cups Brown Sugar
• ½ cups Wheat Germ
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• ½ teaspoons Salt
• 1 whole Egg Beaten
• ½ cups Honey
• ½ cups Canola Oil or Olive Oil
  
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla
  

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix well (it’s easiest to just use your hands). Pat the mixture out into the pan.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes if you want chewy granola bars or for 20-25 minutes for crunchy granola bars. When the edges start to brown, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Use a pizza roller to slice into bars. Finish cooling completely before removing from the pan or they will break apart.Note: you can also substitute dried fruits for the chocolate to make these a bit healthier although I don't care for that much healthier, I like chocolate!


I cook mine for 18 minutes and they are perfect. Also they taste better the next day if you can hold off, if not just cover the pan with a towel and put them in your fridge. As soon as they harden up a bit they are fantastic! Enjoy and let me know what you think!