Granola Bars

I am sharing something a little different today.  By now you may have guessed that I don't use a lot of pre-packaged foods.  I don't have anything against them; but, honestly it doesn't save all that much time.  I like to know what I am eating.  I try to shy away from a lot of preservatives and salt.  Which brings me in a round about way to this granola recipe.  I am not a big breakfast girl.  But in the late morning I am ready to eat something.  This recipe is so versatile.  It can be cut into bars and eaten as a snack.  It can be crumbled with milk and as a cereal.  But, my favorite way is to mix a handful into my morning yogurt.  Feel free to add different nuts, and berries.  A little coconut is always good as well!

Granola (Bars plus!)

6 c. Rolled Oats (Old Fashion, not Quick)
4 T. melted butter
1/4 c. canola oil
1 tsp. salt
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. honey
1/4 c. apple juice
1/4 c. molasses
3 tsp. vanilla extract
1-1/2 c. Rice Krispies
1 c. Wheat Germ
1/2 c. chopped nuts-I chose almonds
1 c. dried fruit-I used cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl toss the oats with the butter, oil and salt.

Spread evenly out onto 2 rimmed baking pans.
Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes to toast.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, apple juice and molasses.  Heat slowly until smooth.  Add the vanilla and stir in.

Toss together the toasted oats, rice cereal, wheat germ, nuts and fruit.

Pour on the sugar mixture.  I pour about half on and mix.  Then add the rest and mix.  The success is to get it all coated evenly.

Press the mixture onto a buttered baking sheet.  Press the mixture loosely into the pan.

Bake until golden brown. About 20 minutes.

Allow to cool.  Then either cut into bars or crumble.

A handful of this when you have that afternoon slump is a great energy booster too!