In the ongoing quest for good nutrition and a desire to limit chemicals, I’ve been making “really delicious” (per my kids) homade granola bars. We’ve been working for a chewy, moist bar that holds together when eaten, but isn’t too sticky and isn’t too sweet. That’s a tall order, I realize, but with a little trial and error, and a great deal of assistance for ‘quality control and taste (thanks, Gregory) I’ve created a recipe that works.
Homemade Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
INGREDIENTS
2 C oats
1 C Rice Krispies
1/2 C flour
2 T butter
a scant 1/2 C peanut butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 C sugar
5-6 T honey
1/2 C mini chocolate chips
1/4 C water
DIRECTIONS
1. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
3. Combine all ingredients, except chocolates, in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, incorporating the peanut butter and honey throughout the dry ingredients.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Firmly press dough into a 9x13 pan.
6. Bake 325 degrees for 25 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
7. Cool on a rack for 30 minutes, then cut into approximately 16 rectangular pieces.
8. Store in airtight container; consider keeping them in the refrigerator if you have a warm kitchen.
In order to send the granola bars in lunch boxes (bentos) and keep them fresher longer, I wrap them in small All Purpose Paper Food Wraps (available at restaurant supply).
~Enjoy!
