Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars ~ Printable Recipe

These preservative-free granola bars made with whole grains are delicious and way healthier than the store bought brands (forgive me Mr. Quaker). They are a snap to make which also adds to their appeal. Here is how we prepare them:

List of ingredients:

• 1 cup raw honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 5 cups puffed whole grain rice cereal
• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup un-sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips 
• optional: 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed or chia seed

On the lowest heat possible (to try and preserve the good enzymes in your honey) melt together until combined (while stirring to expedite the process), in a large cooking pot, the following:

• 1 cup “raw” honey

• 1 cup brown sugar

Once honey and brown sugar are "melted" together, remove from stove immediately.

Now, stir in the following until smooth:

• 1 cup peanut butter 

• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Finally, add the following ingredients to the mixture and mix until thoroughly combined:

• 5 cups whole grain rice puff cereal (if using regular rice crispy cereal, you will need only 3 - 4 cups because they are smaller in size)

• 4 cups rolled oats 

• ½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut 

• 1 cup of mini chocolate chips (and ground flaxseed or chia seed if using)

Pour ingredients onto large, greased cookie sheet and press down firmly into pan until the mixture is spread evenly and firm.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before eating to allow them to firm up.

Cut into bars and wrap each one individually in plastic wrap. This should yield approx. 20 "good" granola bars.

The longest part of the recipe is probably the packaging. These should be stored in the refrigerator.

You may also freeze them for future use. They are gone in seconds in this home!

* Here is a printable recipe should you like to add it to your Recipe Book *

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