Monday, October 15, 2012

Granola bars


















This recipe made approx. 30 bars (standard size), but you can cut them in small squares or into larger sized bars.

Heat oven to 350º
Spread onto a large baking sheet:
1-1/2 C. rolled oats
1-1/2 C. rice krispies
and bake for 15 minutes to lightly toast. Remove from oven and cool completely.

Line a 9 X 13" pan w/foil & spray generously w/nonstick spray

In a small bowl, combine:
1-1/8 C. wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

In another mixing bowl, combine:
2/3 C. vegetable oil
4 Tblsp. melted butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Combine the flour mixture with the oil/egg mixture and mix together well.  Stir in the cooled cereal and add your favorites:  1/2 c. chopped raisins,  1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries.....      (I haven't tried but would bet that adding 1/2 C. peanut butter to the egg mixture wouldn't change the results - and if you like things spicier, add some ginger, nutmeg, dash of cayenne... be creative!!)

Pat the mixture into prepared pan and bake at 300º for 25-30 minutes, or until the top looks golden.  Remove from oven, let it rest 15 minutes.  Carefully remove by lifting the foil - let it cool completely. Refrigerate for a while to make cutting easier.  When the bars are completely cooled, cut into desired size and if you'd like, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars.