I love granola bars. They’re such a quick and tasty snack, filling enough to keep me going until mealtime, but small enough to pop into my pocket. I’ve even started making my own. These aren’t as healthy as some, and aren’t really fat-free, but at least they have no chemicals and preservatives. They’re versatile so they aren’t the same every time unless I want them to be. And the best part – they don’t need any baking. A few minutes to set, and they’re ready.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups crispy rice cereal
2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1/2 cup raisins (or chocolate chips, craisins, almonds etc. – or a mixture which adds up to 1/2 cup)
1/4 to 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar (I use about 1/4 cup – I find 1/2 cup too sweet)
1/2 cup light corn syrup (I usually use honey – but only because I rarely have corn syrup in the house)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Combine cereal, rolled oats and raisins in a large bowl.

2. Combine brown sugar and corn syrup in a small saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.

3. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

4. Pour over cereal. Mix well.

5. Press into an ungreased 13×9″ pan.

6. Cool. Cut into bars. Wrap individually. Enjoy.

Makes 24 bars.

Hints:
1. Press hard into the pan, otherwise they might not hold together.
2. You might want to spray Pam or butter your hands so the mixture doesn’t stick.