Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

Homemade Chewy Granola Bars-from allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup corn syrup (I've tried using half honey or maple syrup and half corn syrup. Both worked well) 
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (I used oil instead of butter one time I made these...just use a little less if you use oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 cup sunflower kernels
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons toasted wheat germ (never used this. I'm not even sure what it is!)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• *Instead of using these last ingredients in red (because I never have any around the apartment), I usually throw in whatever crumbs are left in our cereal boxes or anything else that sounds like it would taste good in granola bars. If you leave out the last things, just put in a little extra oats or other dry ingredients so the bars aren't too soft.*

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, peanut butter, corn syrup, butter and vanilla. Stir in the oats, sunflower kernels, raisins, wheat germ and sesame seeds. Fold in chocolate chips.
2. Press into an 8-in. square baking dish (It works in 8x11 pan well too. Might be fine in 9x13 as well, but bars will be thinner) coated with nonstick cooking spray. It's easiest to press in the pan if your hands are a little wet. Then the gooey mixture won't stick to them. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-
3. 20 minutes (I usually do 18 minutes) or until set and edges are browned. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

*If you triple this recipe it fits in a sheet pan. And, trust me, the more you make the better!

Footnotes

• Editor's Note: These granola bars are best if allowed to stand, covered, for 1 day before serving.
• Nutritional Analysis: One bar equals 239 calories, 12 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 10 mg cholesterol, 102 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein.
  
  
  I was literally dancing around the kitchen licking the spoon after putting these together and in the oven. I couldn't wait to try the finished product, because my little preview tastes were so so good. I love oatmeal, and I've been craving granola bars (am I weird?) So this recipe COMPLETELY hit the spot.
  
  
  Husband's Reaction: Well, he's eaten probably 20 bars by now, so I'm pretty sure he loves them as much as I do. :) He seemed a little sad when he found out I ate the last one yesterday.