Granola Bars

Granola Bars

Makes 6 large granola bars.

Wait! Before you do anything else, check out my other granola bar recipe. It's a perfected version of this one. :)

These granola bars have become a new breakfast staple around our household. The Mr., who typically does not have a friendly relationship with breakfast, was excited to find something he actually enjoyed in the morning. And since I want him to be eating something fairly healthy, I made some changes -- okay, a lot of changes -- to this recipe I originally found on AllRecipes.com. The first time I followed the recipe but it didn't come out like I wanted. So, a few trials later, and a complete overhaul of the original recipe, I think we finally have a winner.

1 heaping c. oats

1/4 c. wheat germ

1/4 c. whole wheat flour

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/3 t. salt

1/3 c. chocolate chips

1 egg

1/4 c. peanut butter

1/4 c. honey

1/4 c. vegetable oil

1 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8x8 baking pan.

Combine oats, wheat germ, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Create a well in the center; add egg, peanut butter, honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix to combine. Add chocolate chips; mix well, using your hands if necessary.

Transfer mixture to the baking pan; spread evenly.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Cool until safe to touch; cut into bars; cool completely on a wire rack.

A Note From The LL: Instead of chocolate chips, you could also use raisins, dried cranberries, or nuts... or a combination of whatever you come up with.