CHEWY MICROWAVE GRANOLA BARS

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup uncooked rolled oats
11/4 cups crisp rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup wheat germ, optional

Grease a 12x8-inch microwave-safe dish.

In a large bowl, beat together sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Blend in honey, vanilla and egg.

Gradually blend in flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt at low speed until well-mixed. By hand, stir in remaining ingredients.

Press firmly into the bottom of prepared dish.

Microwave on medium power for 7-9 minutes or until set, rotating 1/2 turn every 3 minutes.

Cool completely before cutting into bars.

IF USING A CONVENTIONAL OVEN:
Heat to 350 degrees F. Use a 13x9-inch greased baking pan. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake granola for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and center appears set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

From: Nancy Metzger, New York, N.Y.
Source: The Columbus Dispatch; June 16, 1999