Chewey Granola Bars

Granola bars are an easy eat-on-the-go snack!  I realize that most granola bars are just glorified cookies, but there are additions to them that make them more nutritious than many empty calorie treats.  In this recipe, the oats add fiber, protein, and iron.  The crispy rice cereal adds a nice crunch, but is also fortified with vitamins.  The nuts (assuming you use walnuts) add iron, fiber, calcium. Raisins are going to add even more iron, fiber & calcium.  Who knew these tasty bars could actually be fairly good for you!  (Watch the fat and sugar though, they're not calorie free!)

My 14 year old son needed a nutritious snack to take snow shoeing tonight, these were his choice.  He loves them!  I think I got this recipe from Frugal Families.  I have no name attached to it though and I've been making it several years now...  I really need to document better!  Any suggestions on who's recipe this is, my Frugal Family friends... I'd love to give credit!

Chewey Granola Bars

1/2 C. butter or margarine

1 C. packed brown sugar

1/4 C. white sugar

2 T. honey

1 tsp. vanilla

1 large egg

1 C. flour (I use 1/2 white & 1/2 wheat flour)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 1/2 C. quick oats

1 1/2 C. crispy rice cereal

1 C. chopped nuts optional

1 C. raisins or chocolate chips - or both. optional

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars.  Add honey, vanilla and egg; mix well.  Combine dry ingredients, add to creamed mixture.  Stir in oats, cereal and nuts.  Add raisins or chocolate chips if desired.  Press into a greased 9x13 pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes or until top is slightly browned.  Cut into bars or squares while still warm.

Joy's Notes:   If you want to store these, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or put a couple into a sandwich baggie.  They freeze fine.