Great Homemade Granola Bars

Granola bars are one of my favorite snack foods. The first time I tried these, I was hooked. I think homemade granola bars taste so much better than store-bought ones. Plus, I have a feeling they are a little healthier for you.

I make these almost every time we go on a road trip. They are great for snacking and can keep you from spending a lot of money on junk food along the way. My whole family likes them. I prefer my granola bars with chocolate chips, while my husband prefers raisins, so I either include both or divide the mixture and add chocolate chips to my half and raisins to his. It's a little more work, but that way we're both happy! This recipe yields a 9x13 inch pan of bars.

Ingredients:

1 10-ounce package miniature marshmallows

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons oil

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal

1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 1/2 cups regular oatmeal (also known as old-fashioned oats)

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

1/2 cup coconut (optional)

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Here's how:

Combine the rice cereal, graham cracker crumbs, oatmeal, raisins, and coconut in a bowl. You can also add the chocolate chips now if you want them to melt a little bit; otherwise leave them out until you add the liquid.

Heat the marshmallows, butter, and oil over low heat until the marshmallows are melted. Stir in the corn syrup and peanut butter. Stir until everything is melted together. (You can also do this in the microwave, but be sure to check it often since the marshmallows can overflow if you let it cook too long, and then there is a great sticky mess to clean up!)

Pour the hot mixture over the dry ingredients and stir quickly and thoroughly so the mixtures are evenly distributed. If you did not add the chocolate chips earlier, put them in now.

Grease a 9x13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray. Press the mixture into the pan and pat down evenly. (I usually spray a little cooking spray on both hands to keep it from sticking to my fingers, but you could also use a spatula.)

Allow your concoction to cool. Cut into bar-size lengths and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can add other ingredients to jazz up these bars, such as M&M's, crushed peanuts, bits of dried fruit...you name it!
• I wrap these granola bars individually in Saran wrap for convenience in packing lunches, breakfast on the run, road trips (to hand out to all fellow travelers in the car), and as a snack to take along on shopping excursions so I can eat a bit between stops.
• This recipe can be easily doubled.
• You can substitute an equal amount of honey for the corn syrup in this recipe.

These simple-to-make granola bars are a favorite of our family, and I wouldn't be surprised if they find fame in your home as well!