Chewy Granola Bars

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Easier than you’d think!

Today we made these with mini M&M’s, but you can put a number of different flavor spins on them by choosing different add-ins.  See a list of ideas below.

P.S. If you’re looking for a healthy snack bar, try Birdseed Bars.  These aren’t as healthy, but my hubs eats them up much faster!

Ingredients:

• 4 T (½ stick) unsalted butter
• ¼ c brown sugar
• ¼ c honey
• 2+ c homemade or store-bought granola
• 1+ c rice cereal
• Add-Ins of your choice. Here are some ideas:
  • mini choc chips
  • graham cracker crumbs
  • mini marshmallows
  • raisins & cinnamon
  • shredded coconut
  • mini M&M’s
  • sunflower seeds

Instructions:

1. Line 2 loaf pans with parchment paper (or double the recipe for a 9×13).  Lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Combine butter, honey, and brown sugar in large saucepan and stir until butter is melted.
3. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer until sugar is dissolved – about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.  (If when they’re done you find that they are too soft, simmer longer next time.  If they are too hard, simmer shorter.)
4. Add granola and cereal.  Fold in until completely coated.  Add more granola and/or cereal if too gooey.
5. *Depending on what add-ins you choose (graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon…), you may want to stir them in now.
6. Spread into pans and firmly press with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle add-ins on top and gently press.
8. Let stand 15-20 minutes or put in fridge to set faster and/or more firmly.
9. Lift out of pan and cut into bars.
10. Store in an air-tight container with parchment or wax paper between layers.

Here are some ideas to get your kid cook involved:

• Before placing the saucepan on the heat, let him unwrap the stick of butter and help squeeze the honey into a measuring cup.
• He can help measure the granola and cereal.
• Have him help press the mixture into the pans.
• He can help press the add-ins on top.  If you kid cook is like mine, this will probably cause the chocolate chips or M&M’s to get a little squished, but that’s ok!  They may not be as pretty, but they still taste good!

I went to take a picture of our finished product today and was surprised to see this little hand sneak onto the plate to snitch some candy. 🙂

This recipe is modified slightly from: Back to the Cutting Board

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