Granola Bars Make Ahead

Premix stuff is awesome.  It's fast food from scratch.  I don't know about you but half the time it takes to make something is getting everything out. If it is something you make all the time, premix it.  You can just add the wet ingredients and your done.

This is my favorite granola bar recipe that I make pretty often during the school year.  It is great for a fast breakfast, lunches and snacks.

Layer it as follows, flour and salt on the bottom, cinnamon on top of that wheat germ and oats on top of that followed by the brown sugar.  Seal up in the jar.  When ready to mix, stir in oil, honey, vanilla and egg.  Done!

GRANOLA BARS

2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup wheat germ
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup raisins (optional)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9 x 13.

In a large bowl mix all dry ingredients. Make a well and add wet ingredients. Mix well, I use a fork to mix. Using the back of a rubber spatula flatten granola into pan and smooth. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bars turn golden at the edges. Cool 5 minutes and cut into bars or squares. Do not allow them to dry completely as they will be very difficult to cut.

If you want more crunch , patiently smooth out in a baking sheet. I also have added another half batch and smoothed it out in a jelly roll pan.

You can add all kinds of mix in, cranberries, almonds, marshmallows (minis), chocolate chips, the list goes on!