Homemade Granola Bars

I was perusing the April edition of Parents Magazine (and thinking about a comment I saw lately that questioned why we take parenting advice from a bunch of people who either aren't parents or who spend at least 40 hours a week away from their children...interesting, isn't it?) when I happened upon a recipe for homemade granola bars (page 70). I happen to have a box of granola cereal I received for free that no one is eating and I've been wanting to make homemade granola bars for a while. Perfect opportunity!



Homemade Granola Bars
(or my take on Parents Magazine's Cranberry-Apricot Granola Bars)
1 cup granola
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (I used regular)
1 egg
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup canola oil (I used olive)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Add ins (raisins, dried cranberries, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, M&Ms, coconut, peanut butter, etc)

Line an 8x8 (I think mine is a 9x9) square pan with foil and spray lightly with oil. Mix together granola, oats, and flour. In a separate bowl mix egg, honey, oil, and cinnamon. Stir wet mixture in to dry mixture. Add your add ins. I used raisins, dried cranberries, mini M&Ms and pecans because I had them in the house. I finely chopped the raisins, cranberries, and nuts to make the bars easier to eat. Stir together.

Dump batter in to pan and pat down (I used wax paper to push it down). Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until browned. Allow to cool. Remove bars from pan by lifting out foil and peel off. Cut in to bars.

My husband, daughter, and sister all LOVE these! It is a definite keeper!