Recipe: Chewy Granola Bars

CHEWY GRANOLA BARS

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup slivered almonds
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS:
Combine the oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, wheat germ, dried cranberries, almonds, cinnamon and salt in a large mixing bowl; mix well with a spoon, Make a well in the center of the ingredients.

ADD THE LIQUID INGREDIENTS:
Pour the honey, egg, oil and vanilla into the well. Use your hands to mix it well, coating everything evenly.

BAKE THE GRANOLA:
Pat the granola in the prepared baking pan. Use an oven mitt to place it in the oven.

Bake for 25 to 27 minutes or just until the mixture is golden brown around the edges. Remove the pan from the oven with the oven mitt and place on a wire rack. Cool for 5 minutes.

Use a table knife to cut into bars while still warm; the mixture will become too hard to cut if it becomes cool.

Makes 18 servings
Source: Junior Leagues In the Kitchen with Kids: Everyday Recipes and Activities for Healthy Living