Oatmeal Granola Bars with Dark Chocolate
My girls love to make these with me. It takes about 10 minutes prep. and 20 min. to bake! EZ and fun!

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened in microwave or stove (I replace 1/2 of the butter / margarine apple sauce for less fat)
1/2 cup organic honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar (I use stevia or splenda brown sugar)
1 1/2 cups any nuts: almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pecans, flax seeds + a Tbs. of wheat germ- all seeds taste great in this!
1/2 cup chocolate or chocolate chips.  I like the Trader Joe’s 70% dark chocolate bar chopped up in nut chopper -the supersize bar is the best value, lasts forever and it’s good to have in an “emergency” and, no guilt: good for you antioxidants!

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).  Spray 9×13 inch pan with non stick spray.  In a large mixing bowl sift together the oats, flour, baking soda.

Melt butter or margarine in microwave and add vanilla, honey and brown sugar. Stir in the 2 cups assorted chocolate chips, raisins, nuts etc.

Kids love to do this part: Using a large piece of wax paper, lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. I place wax paper over it and then let the kids press it down with their palms.

Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) 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.  Tip: package individually for “grab n go” snacks.

 

 
 

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