Favorite Foods Friday

I have a new recipe to share! I made these last week, mostly because we had the ingredients on hand and I needed something for us to snack on. These granola bars were a big hit with everyone and I'm really looking forward to making them again and trying new combinations.

Thick, Chewy Granola Bars - recipe by Smitten Kitchen
1 2/3 cups quick rolled oats
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup oat flour (or 1/3 cup oats, processed till finely ground in a food processor or blender)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2-3 cups of dried fruits and nuts, or chocolate chips (10-15 oz total)
1/3 cup peanut butter or other nut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp light corn syrup
1 tbsp water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper, lighty coat with nonstick spray.

Combine dry ingredients, including your choice of fruits, nuts, and chocolate. In a separate bowl combine the wet ingredients, whisking to combine. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and stir to coat. Press into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly browned on top. They will set up once cooled. Allow to cool completely until cutting into bars.

I used chocolate chips and rice krispies as my combo because it was something my kids would eat and it was what I had in the pantry. I really want to make one with some dried cherries or blueberries. My kids wouldn't eat them, but I can always make them chocolate chip. Really the combinations are endless.