Homemade Chewy, Chunky Granola Bars

Everyone and their brother has been asking for this granola bar recipe since I posted a photo on Facebook last week.  Sorry, it has taken me so long!

Life kinda got in the way this week - a few very busy days at work, the little man back in school {after the longest winter break EVER} and a lovely cold just pleasantly taking its time through each of us.

But I do have plans to make another pan of these.  After putting in the fridge to chill and firm up, I usually cut them into granola bar sizes and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Then I stick them back in the fridge to stay fresh and where they are easily accessible for snacks.



Homemade Chewy, Chunky Granola Bars



Print this Recipe!
2 c. dry oatmeal
1/2 c. crushed pretzels
1/4 c. chia seeds
1 c. chopped pecans
1/4 c. sweetened or unsweetened coconut
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. honey
4 T. butter
1 t. vanilla
1/2 c. chocolate chips

1.  Spray with non-stick spray or butter a 8x8 baking pan.  Set aside.
2.  In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients - oatmeal, pretzels, chia seeds, pecans and coconut.
3.  In a small saucepan melt together the remaining ingredients, except the vanilla and chocolate chips - brown sugar, honey and butter.
4.  Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from the heat and add in the vanilla.
5.  Combine the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring quickly to combine.  Fold in the chocolate chips.
6.  Press the mixture down into the pan, flattening with your hands.
7.  Place in the fridge to harden for at least 1 hour.
8.  Cut into bars, wrap in plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for up to a week to stay fresh.

Feel free to swap any ingredients in these your family likes or your pantry has....ours pretty much change with each batch depending on what I have on hand!

Dried fruit, peanuts, walnuts, flax seed, butterscotch chips, dark chocolate - it is all good!


So finally, after teasing you for over a week, Part 1 of my "story" is now LIVE over on Michelle's blog today.

You can read all about it HERE.

The rest of my weekend is all about this:

• Creating a new recipe out of beer, cheese and macaroni {I know!}
• Getting my house in order.
• Having a play date with a circle of local friends.
• Maybe actually sitting down to read?  It's been awhile.

Have a great weekend everyone!