Granola Bars

These are so easy to make and they freeze well. I make a double batch, and then individually wrap half of them in plastic wrap and store them in a bag in the freezer to make it easy for packing school lunches.

You can customize them all you like! The one on the left is peanut-free for school lunches. It has chocolate chips and yogurt raisins. The one on the right is filled with a mix of nuts, seeds, and raisins.

Granola Bars
Makes 24 bars

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ (I used whole wheat flour - if you don't have either of those, just add an extra 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour)
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup raisins/chocolate chips/nuts/whatever you like!
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the centre, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. It will seem as if it will never come together, but keep mixing because it will eventually. Wet your hands with cold water and press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
 

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut. 

 Chocolate Chips and Yogurt Raisins

 Nuts, Seeds, and Raisins

I cut the school-friendly ones to fit in my daughter's lunch container.