Why go to the grocery store and spend money on a box of granola bars that say they are nutritious but are really loaded with sugar and preservatives? These home made granola bars are easy to make, nutritious and loaded with fiber. Make an extra batch or two and give them to your friends!
1 ½ cup natural rolled oats – not quick oats!
¼ cup natural oat bran
¼ cup almonds – finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup natural honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup raisins – soak in hot water for five minutes to plump up
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray. In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients. Combine the honey and remaining ingredients and add to the dry ingredients. Mix very well until all are coated with honey. Wet your hands and press the mixture onto the pan into a rectangular shape approximately 9”x7”. Place into the oven and bake for ten minutes.
Remove from the oven and cut into 16 bars immediately while the granola is warm and slightly soft. Pull the bars apart to separate them and return to the oven for another five minutes.
Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container. These are great to take with you on a long walk or pack into a lunch! For a variation try adding finely chopped dried apricots or dried papaya to the mixture!
