No Bake Yummy Granola bars

OK so there is no granola in these, but I still call them granola bars.

I love making these for my kids. I know whats in them, and they can take them to school without having to worry about the penut allergy. And its way cheaper then store bought!



Ingredients:

1/4 cup of honey ( I use the semi solid stuff, but I dont see why it wouldn't work with liquid honey
1/4 butter or margarine
1/3 cup of brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

1 cup of rice krispies
2 cups of quick cooking oats***
** Or you can use 1 1/2 Cups quick cooking oats, and 1/2 cup wheat germ

I found wheat germ in the cereal isle, and cost less the 2$ for a bag. I find adding the wheat germ keeps the granola bars together better


In a medium to large bowl add the oats and cereal, and just give it a stir with your fingers


In a small to medium saucepan (pot) melt together the butter, sugar, and honey uon medium high heat until it boils. Continune to cook for 2 minutes (this is very important. If you do not boil it for 2 minutes your granola bars are more likely to fall apart) stirring occasionally. remove from heat, then add in the vanilla and stir.
 

Add this mix to the dry mix, and stir well


pour into a greased pan ( I double my recipe so I use a 9 x 11 pan)



Now you can add your toppings, raisins, chocolate chips, M&M's whatever  your heart desires.
But If you add them reight away they will melt.
My kids loved when the chocolate chips melt so I add them before I press it down into shape
** I also use wax paper to press down on, and be careful its pretty warm**

If you dont want your toppings melted, the press your granola bars firmly into place, and let sit in the fridge for 10 minutes first. The add your topping and press into place.
 

do not leave your granola bars in the fridge for more then 20 minutes, they turn hard and crunchy and are not very good then.
Cut into shapes, bars, or squares, and store in a air tight container
 

Now you might think well this doesn't really save me money, but $20 for the ingredients  last a long time. With my double recipe I make 33 bars... I can make about 3 of these batches so 99 granola bars for $20..
Even granola bars on sale at walmart 5 for $2 doesn't compare

A single batch should make you between 10 - 15 bars, depending how thick you make them.

A double batch (is what I always make) makes 30 - 35 bars