Kids in the Kitchen - Chewy Granola Bars

My kids (and husband) go through granola bars like crazy. Luckily Publix often has them BOGO; paired with coupons we can get them pretty reasonably priced. BUT the ingredient label reads like a novel. They are not horrible for you...but we have discovered better, cheaper, and fun to make :) We looked at several recipes on-line and came up with this. It is a little "cakey-er" than normal bars b/c of the flour. I might try them without.

Chewy Granola Bars

3 cups rolled oats (old fashion have more fiber)

1 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
1 cup wheat flour (use white if that is what you have)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup liquid sweetener - honey, agave nectar, brown rice syrup (this is what we used)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips or mini m&m's

You could also add coconut, raisins, nuts, etc. (up to 2 cups)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.
In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter, sweetener and brown sugar. Stir in the chocolate chips, raisins, nuts etc.
Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

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