Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars

I’m going to spend the summer playing blog catch-up. I started themondaybox.com seven months after I began sending Monday Boxes. That’s about 20 shipments of baked stuff. To be honest, not all of the recipes were received with enthusiasm. I sent some things that could be used as door stops by the time they arrived. However, only one cookie was deemed inedible. (It appears that my Monday Box Recipient can’t stand cardamom). I’ll use this summer to share the school year’s successful recipes. Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars were not only devoured with enthusiasm, but were requested several times!

Some people eat granola bars because they think they are healthier than cookies. Some people eat granola bars because they taste like cookies. I suggest that you eat Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars just because they are delicious. Your care package recipient will eat these because they actually improve in taste after sitting (or traveling) for a few days. Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars stay fresh for more than a week wrapped up on the counter and for several weeks when stored in the fridge.

This recipe surprised me. Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars are a no-bake bar and I was doubtful that the recipe would create the  texture I was looking for. If you are looking for crispy, this is not it. If you are looking for a chewy bar with some crunchy ingredients, then stop your search here.

I originally made Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars with almond butter and almonds because my son had informed me that he didn’t really like peanuts. He liked the almond granola bars enough that he commented on them. High praise from my non-committal sweets eater. Because Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars got such praise in the almond version, I really wanted to test out the taste and texture for myself, but I am very allergic to tree nuts. So, I made a batch with peanuts and peanut butter for myself. My son (home from college for the summer) finished them. He says Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars with peanut butter are even better than the almond bars. This recipe is  versatile. Throw in what you love. Leave out what you don’t.

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Chewy Crunchy Granola Bars

Adapted from SimpleOrganizedLiving.com

Makes 16 bars

Author Wendy Sondov themondaybox.com

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick cook oats
• 2 cups Rice Krispy cereal or brown rice cereal
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup Lyle’s Golden Syrup or corn syrup or additional honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup nut butter such as peanut butter, almond butter, etc.
• ½ cup chopped nuts
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Use butter or non-stick spray to coat a 9”x12” pan
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and rice cereal. Set aside.
3. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, add honey, syrup, and brown sugar. Stir constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
4. Remove from heat and mix in nut butter.
5. Immediately, pour the honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir to coat and combine.
6. Add the nuts and chips and stir to distribute. The granola will be very stiff and hard to mix.
7. Spread the granola into the prepared pan.
8. VERY IMPORTANT: Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper over the pan and firmly press the granola into the pan. The mixture must be compressed or you will end up with granola snack mix and not granola bars.
9. Allow the bars to cool and become firm for about 30 minutes. (15 minutes in the refrigerator).
10. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap.

Packing Tips

Store the individually wrapped bars in an air-tight container for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage refrigerate. For mailing, place individually wrapped bars in a large zip lock bag. If mailing during warm weather, avoid chocolate chips.

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Butterscotch Peanut Bars Easter Krispie Bars Crunchy Chocolate Mint Sandwich Cookies Crunchy Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies