Just Baking

Easy, nutritious, and much, much yummier than the store-bought variety, these granola bars will become a family favorite. Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts, swap out the cranberries for raisins or other dried fruit, or add chocolate or peanut butter chips.

To freeze, just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then store in a hard-sided plastic container in the freezer. Pack frozen bars in lunch boxes or backpacks, or defrost on the counter for fifteen minutes and enjoy!

Honey Almond Granola Bars

• 2 cups quick-cooking (not instant) oats
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 to 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (to taste)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil inside a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish and mold it to fit the dish. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine oats, brown sugar, wheat flour, white flour, dried fruit, salt, cinnamon, and almonds in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine liquid ingredients and stir to mix well. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Spoon into foil-lined baking dish and press into an even layer.
3. Place in a 350-degree oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Let cool in pan. When cool, carefully lift foil out and transfer baked granola sheet to a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut into rectangular bars.

Makes about 20 granola bars.