Granola Bars

We made these granola bars yesterday for our RV trip this weekend. This is one of my favorite recipes to make with the boys because it is so easy for them to help with. And it helps that it's yummy (and healthy) for them too. 


Here is the original version of the recipe:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/playgroup-granola-bars/Detail.aspx


And here is my version, with just a few variations to make it a bit more healthy:

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup dried cranberries
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil*
2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Another variation from the original is that I use mini-muffin tins to make 'bites' instead of 'bars' and decrease the bake time to 15 minutes (any longer than that and they will burn.)


*I used coconut oil in my variation, and it seemed to bake identical to vegetable oil, but after 24 hours, the granola bars were rock hard. I think the low burning point of the coconut oil caused the insides of the bars to burn and harden. Bummer, huh?

All the ingredients. Guess who couldn't keep his hands off the cranberries.

Pouring honey, the best job.

Mixing is hard work.

Mix with your hands!

Pressing the granola mix into the cups