Granola Bars

This recipe was shared with me for “Smart Cookies”…well,  tell you what~ they were good but well, they needed a little “tweaking” and definitely a NAME CHANGE. My kiddos wouldn’t stand for calling anything they were eating “Smart Cookies” …and they aren’t even cookies, they are more like bars, and bars rhymes with cars and so we were eating “Smart Cars”. Uhhhm, no thank you.
So I give you today ~~

EDGE BARS

(if you want an explanation of the name, well that’s a whole ‘nuther blog post!)

1 1/2 Cups white flour (could be half whole wheat, half white)

2 Cups rolled oats, or quick oats

1/4 Cup wheat germ

1/2 can of pumpkin (the smaller size can 16 oz? makes 1 pie ~ freeze remaining 1/2 for another batch.)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 Cup brown sugar

2/3 Cup oil (light olive, vegetable etc)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix all of the above into a mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Then add in:

1 Cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 Cup dried cherry craisins

1/2 Cup shredded unsweetened coconut (get the good stuff not the regular from the grocery store where they put chemicals in it!)

1/2 Cup chopped or slivered almonds

Oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Scoop out all of batter and spread into a pan. Bake for 25 minutes.

THEN, and this is important in getting the right chewy, slightly crunchy…it’s just good, taste.

Cut into squares and place on a cookie sheet and bake an additional 12-15 minutes. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

These should freeze well too, although I have not tried it yet. They get eaten too fast. They did stay fresh in an air tight container for many days though.

These are such a hit and very easy to make! They are a great, healthy, quick snack. Very portable, good energy and stick with you.

Kellie whipped these up today!

 Happy Healthy Home!