#613: Playgroup Granola Bars

I made these for the girls in their lunchboxes this week.  Although they are a little bit crumbly, the girls both really, really enjoyed these.  In fact, Allison has dubbed these "the best granola bars ever!"  Personally they probably would have preferred them with chocolate chips instead of raisins but either way, these are delicious.  And it's hard to stop eating after just one.  We prefer these better at room temperature because they are a little softer but straight from the fridge is fine too!  I'll be making another batch VERY soon.

2 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup wheat germ (I used wheat bran)

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup raisins

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup honey

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup vegetable oil (I used 1/4 c veg oil and 1/4 c natural applesauce)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.