Recipe 2: Granola Bars

This is one of our favorite Sunday afternoon treats--so easy and everyone loves them. You can play around with the ingredients to get them exactly how you like them--a little chewier, crunchier etc. If you like them gooier, add a little more of the 'glue': brown sugar, peanut butter, corn syrup and honey. Another thing you can do is substitute raisins for mini M&M's, chocolate chips, other dried fruit, coconut. . . . whatever you want. Our favorite is a mix of dried blueberries and cherries (from Costco) and I always add more than called for. This is an awesome, versatile and yummy recipe!! And I always double it. Always.

2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup + 2 TBSP brown sugar
1/2 cup + 2 TBSP crunchy peanut butter
1/4 cup + 1 TBSP corn syrup
1/4 cup + 1 TBSP honey
1 tsp vanilla

1. In a large bowl stir rice, cereal and raisins together. (If you are using chocolate, add them last as they will melt.)
2. Combine brown sugar, honey and corn syrup in a small saucepan and heat just until boiling over medium heat. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Pour over the cereal.
3. Press into a 9x13 pan. (unless you double it too, then put on a cookie sheet)

P.S. These freeze quite well. . .easy, fast addition for the kids' lunches.
P.P.S. I don't ever measure out those extra 2 TBSPs of the 'glue'. . .I totally eyeball it. Works out every time.