Homemade Granola Bars, The Way You Like Em'

Growing up my Mom always made these granola bars.  I would take them to school for a snack and on camping trips for some energy on the trail.  Throughout university I started making them myself and I would come up with different ingredient variations to change things up.          

One of my favourites was using dried cherries, dried cranberries and dried blueberries for a great fruity flavour.  Tonight I just went through my baking cupboard and emptied a few different jars.  They included slivered almonds, pecans, peanut butter chips, milk chocolate chips and raisins.  You can use just about any ingredient you would like, as long as you use 3 cups of oats, 3 cups of "extras", 1 can condensed milk and 1/2 cup melted butter. 

As I poured mixture into the prepared pan I thought of another variation, diced apples, pecans, raisins, a teaspoon of cinnamon and possibly a drizzle of caramel on top.  Once this batch is gone I'll give the apple cinnamon bars a try. 

The photo above shows how they look coming out of the oven.  From there let them cool, remove the foil and cut into portions as big or as small as you desire.  I usually make a rectangular shaped bar, but you could make em square too, the way you like em'!

Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 3 cups Oats
• 1 cup Chopped Peanuts
• 1 cups Raisins
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips
• 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• ½ cup Butter, melted

Directions

1. Line a 13 x 9” pan with foil and grease.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well coated.
3. Press evenly into prepared pan.
4. Bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Cut into 36 bars and store at room temperature.

Alternative ingredients: almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, craisins, dried blueberry, dried cherry, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, marshmallows.  Just make sure you use 3 cups oats and 3 cups of “extras” to 1 can condensed milk and ½ cup melted butter.

ENJOY!