Homemade Granola Bars Recipe

Homemade Granola Bars Recipe from Erin Sellin

My 6 year old takes cold lunch almost every day to school.  I am always on the look out for healthier snacks and treats I can put in his lunch.  The kid would live on crackers for snacks if I would let him.  He is hit or miss with the store bought granola bars, so I have been on a mission to make a healthy granola bar at home that he will eat.  Well I have done it!  He has even asked that he have this for the dessert in his lunch!  If you follow me on facebook you may remember me mentioning these the other day.  They are super addicting, I was having a hard time staying away from them!  Kind of defeats the purpose of a healthier snack if you eat twice as much

Tropical Traditions sent me a giant jar of coconut oil to try out.  That stuff is amazing!  I have used coconut oil in the past, and the smell is just wonderful.  You get a hint of coconut in what you are making, which is perfect this time of year when everyone is longing for warmer weather.  I decided to make granola bars with the coconut oil, instead of butter.  Best.  Decision.  Ever.  (OK, maybe not EVER, but you get the idea)  Seriously, pick up a jar today and make these!  If you don’t have coconut oil, you can always use butter (that is what the original recipe called for).  I have made these a couple times since, and have also added 2 Tbls of Wheat Germ to bump up the good for you factor; they taste exactly the same!  Next time I am going for 3 Tbls!

For other great recipes visit Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
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Cabernet Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Polenta – this is a Cooking Light recipe that is sure to impress just about anyone!
Pomegranate Bellini – A great cocktail to share for a special night!

Granola Bars
Adapted from The Marathon Mom

1/3 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter chocolate chips (or just plain chocolate chips)

In a small sauce pan heat oil, peanut butter, and honey over a medium heat.  Once melted and fully combined mix in the oats and semi-sweet chocolate chips.  Stir until the chocolate chips are melted.  Allow to cool for about 30 minutes.  Stir in the rest of the chips, and spread into a lined 8×8 pan.  Put in fridge until completely set.  Cut into squares.  Store in fridge.

Erin Sellin is the resident recipe contributor for Taking Time for Mommy – Online Magazine for Moms. You can also  find her on her own blog Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts and on facebook.