Chewy granola bar

For the kid who takes too long to
get ready, and if he does sit down he
takes too long to eat, a homemade
granola bar is easy to nibble while
getting dressed. And they’re a lot
healthier when you make them!

To go tip: Don’t forget to skip
the nuts if your child
takes this to school.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups (440 ml) quick rolled oats,
barley flakes, or a combination
1/2 cup (125 ml) packed brown sugar
1/3 cup (85 ml) oat, barley, or whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
1/4 tsp (1 ml) cinnamon
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chopped dried fruit
1 cup (250 ml) chopped nuts
1/2 cup (125 ml) pumpkin or sunflower seeds
1/3 cup (85 ml) shredded coconut (optional)
1/3 cup (85 ml) canola or mild vegetable oil
1/3 cup (85 ml) peanut butter, almond butter,
tahini (sesame paste), or no-nut Wow butter
1/3 cup (85 ml) liquid honey, maple syrup
or corn syrup
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray an 8” x 8”
pan with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, brown sugar,
oat flour, salt and cinnamon. Stir in the dried fruit,
nuts, seeds and coconut.

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, nut butter,
honey and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and
stir until well blended and crumbly. Press into the
prepared pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden around
the edges. Cool completely in the pan on a
wire rack before cutting into squares or bars.

Makes about 12 bars.

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, August/September 2013.