GRANOLA BARS

In an effort to get healthy I've been trying to keep better foods in the house, especially snacks. I found this recipe in a WIC handout. It's for "Peanut Butter Energy Bars". I've made a few a variations of this recipe and we seem to like it with a little more than what the instructions say to use. I've found that with the few additions I've added it's closer to the "Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Bars".

Riann and I made another batch yesterday and I thought it would be fun to take pictures and do a post on it. I haven't priced it out yet to see if it's any cheaper than the nature valley bars but I've been able to make three batches (with the first batch being a double batch) without having to repurchase anything so I think it should be a little cheaper to make my own. I also think that by cutting out the high fructose corn syrup alone they are MUCH healthier too.

Here's what you need:


1/2 c. salted dry roasted peanuts
1/2 c. roasted Sunflower nuts (kernals)
1/2 c. chopped almonds
1/4 c. toasted wheat germ
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. craisins
2 c. rolled oats
2 c. rice Krispie cereal
1/2 c. crunchy peanut butter
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. light corn syrup
1/4 c. honey
1 tbsp. vanilla

Here's how to make it:

First get yourself a happy helper.

Mix together the first eight ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.

Combine peanut butter, brown sugar, honey and corn syrup in a medium, microwave safe bowl.

Microwave on high for approximately two minutes.
Due to variations in microwaves, I divide the time and stir about every 30 seconds, watch it carefully or it will burn.

Add vanilla and stir until blended.

Add mixture to dry ingredients.

Stir until coated.

Spoon mixture into an 9"x 13" pan coated with nonstick spray.
The pan size is up to you. The instructions say to use an 8" square pan, it just depends on what size you want them and how thick you want them.

Press down firmly (it helps to spray fingers with nonstick spray). Let sit for about an hour.

Cut into bars.

I wrap mine in foil to store.

This is the first time I've had Riann help me make them and because of that she's excited to eat them. We had a lot of fun making it. I eat one a day as a snack and it helps cut down my cravings in the afternoons.

I hope you have fun with recipe.