Chewy Granola Bars

 

I have been trying to find some more homemade snacks to add to our home.  Crackers get boring pretty fast.  I was talking with a friend who had made granola bars, but wasn’t completely  happy with the recipe and was looking to touch it up a little.  Then the next day, I saw an episode of “Giada at Home” on Food Network where she was making--you guessed it--granola bars!  Because I love Giada, I gave the bars a try.  My girls (and husband) love them, and while they’re not super healthy with the sugar and butter, I still think they are better than store-bought bars because I know exactly what is in them!  If you like a firmer granola bar, store them in the refrigerator. 

Chewy Granola Bars
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1 egg white
½ cup peanut butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
¼  cup honey
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/3 mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup dried cherries, raisins, or cranberries (optional)
½ stick butter, melted

Beat egg white with whisk or electric mixer until frothy.  Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar, and honey.  Add oats, chocolate chips, and dried fruit if using and mix until incorporated.  Pour in melted butter, and stir until completely combined.

Preheat oven to 350F and prepare an 8x11 pan.  Cut parchment paper or aluminum foil to width of pan, and long enough to hang one inch over each end.  Press into bottom of pan and spray lightly with cooking spray.

Scrape granola mixture into pan, and press firmly into an even layer.  You can use wax paper, or spray your hands lightly to prevent them from sticking.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.  Let cool one hour before lifting out using flaps of parchment/aluminum foil.  Cut into bars and serve.  Store in air-tight container for up to one week.

Yield: approx 20 bars.
Source: adapted from Giada DeLaurentis