Homemade Granola Bars

My kids are huge fans of granola bars. I usually buy a box every other week and let them eat them when we are on the go. Lately, I have been cringing each time I open one up and we throw away the wrapper...such a waste. As we are on this journey towards living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle, I am always searching for ways to reduce our waste. We are not ready to give up granola bars, so the obvious answer was to make our own!

I recently picked up a cook book at our local used book store called The Vegetarian Family Cookbook. While flipping through it I stumbled upon a great recipe for homemade granola bars...no more excuses. The kids and I popped into the kitchen, whipped up a batch in just a few minutes, baked them for 20 minutes, then enjoyed the warm scrumptious bars. It took the kids a while to think outside of the box and realize granola bars do not have to be long and rectangular or in a wrapper, but once they tasted them, they claimed they will never go back.

Soft and Chewy Granola Bars

The Vegetarian Cookbook by Nava Atlas

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

2 T ground flaxseed or wheat germ

1/2 t baking soda

2 T sugar

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup applesauce

1 T oil

1 cup granola (we used homemade)

1/2 cup raisins or currants

1/2 cup natural chocolate chips or peanut butter chips

1. Preheat over to 350. Lightly oil a 9 x 9 inch baking pan

2. Combine the flour, flaxseeds/wheat germ, baking soda, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl and stir.

3. Make a well in the center and pour in the applesauce and oil. Stir together until the wet and dry ingredients are completely mixed, then stir in granola, raisins, and chips.

4. Pour the batter into pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool until just warm, then cut.

Enjoy!

Homemade Granola Bars