Granola Bars

I love granola bars. But I have a hard time finding ones that I truly like in stores. However, I do happen to have an amazing, and simple, recipe for them. I don't make them very often and I don't know why. Every time that I DO make them, I love having them in the house and tell myself I will start making them more often. The best part about them is that you can completely customize them to your tastes. So first, I will give you the recipe the way it is written. Then I will give you my tips.

1 c. Creamy Peanut Butter
1 c. White Syrup
3-4 cups Oatmeal (uncooked)
1 c. coconut
1 c. raisins
1 c. sunflower seeds
1 c. chocolate chips

Heat together peanut butter and syrup until well blended and melted, but do not boil. While that is heating, mix remaining ingredients together in a large bowl (except chocolate chips). After PB/Syrup mixture is heated, pour over ingredients and stir well. Let cool slightly, then stir in chocolate chips (if they go in too early they will just melt). Spread into 9x13 pan and press down firmly. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into bars and wrap in saranwrap. Store in refrigerator.

Basically, you can add any ingredients you want. Just make sure to use at least 3 cups of oatmeal, and have 7 cups total of ingredients. So I usually do 3 1/2 cups oatmeal, 1/2 c. coconut, 1 c. raisins, 1 c. sunflower seeds, and 1 c. mini M&Ms.

You could use other dried fruits, maybe try some toffee bits. Possibly even try some mini-marshmallows for a s'mores type granola bar. The possibilities really are endless. These are great to grab on the go, or to stick in lunch boxes.

I personally haven't tried using anything but peanut butter, but I'm wondering if you could substitute in sunbutter or soybutter for people with nut allergies. And then adjust the rest of the ingredients to items that person could have. Just a thought. I would be interested in hearing if anyone ever tries that.