Freezer Challenge Day #2 - Homemade Granola Bars

Before I start talking about my challenge of the day, I have a more important question. Has anyone gotten pulled into the show Jersey Shore on MTV? Ugh. My hubby and I literally sat in front of the TV yesterday and next thing you know I've wasted 2 hours of my life. This show is wrong on so many levels, but you just can't stop watching! There life is crazy out there, a little over the top, but gosh some of their one-liners had us cracking up! Okay....enough about the Jersey girls and boys....

As mentioned a few days ago, one the items I had in my freezer upon cleaning it out, was a 1/2 bag of sliced almonds. Now these could be used up in SO many ways - a topper for a salad, crushed up and coated on chicken, a topper for yogurt, the list is endless. But, I had another idea. A few years back during my WW (Weight Watcher) days, I had a recipe for homemade "good for you" granola bars. Have you ever looked at what is in the granola bar you are taking to work everyday? Probably high fructose corn syrup, sugar, sugar, and more sugar. So here is a simple and easy way to replace that boxed granola bar you are eating.....and save money!

Homemade Granola Bars

1/4 c. unsalted butter

4 c. mini marshmallows

1 c. oats

1 c. crushed saltines or graham crackers

1/2 c. wheat germ

1/2 bag sliced almonds

1/4 c. unsweetened coconut

1/2 c. mini chocolate chips

*Anything can be added in these bars (dried fruit, more nuts, flax seed, etc.), these are just the items I had on hand.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir constantly until mixture is smooth. Stir all other ingredients to combine. With greased fingers press mixture in a greased 8x8 pan. Let mixture cool before cutting. This will yield 9 bars.

Make this on a Sunday night, cut into 9 squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. They will last you all week!