Sunday, November 30, 2014

DIY Granola Breakfast Cookie Bars

I love granola bars but continue to be astounded by how much they sell for at the market. I think it is definitely more frugal to make your own. Super easy, I cut the bars into the size I like and then package them in zippy bags then store in an airtight container (if you think they won't be gobbled up). Convenient for those on the go, a quick meal for kids before they head off to school, pack them in a lunch bag, etc. You can't go wrong with a healthy home-made granola breakfast bar!



Ingredients: 

1 1/2 cups Bisquick (or a clone if you make your own)
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup brown sugar (packed, add a little extra to taste if necessary)
2/3 cup butter, softened but not melted1 egg1/2 cup dried fruit of your choice, chopped
1/3 cup chopped nuts
1 tsp Vanilla
Variations:  1/3 c. powered milk for a breakfast bar
1/3 cup  mini chocolate chips


The ingredients are easily found and economical

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all until well blended. Press mixture evenly in un-greased rectangular pan, cookie sheet, etc. A round pan will allow you to make "pizza slices" for bars.


Drop the dough on the pan and spread to a 1/2" thickness
Bake until mixture is firm and appears dry on the surface, not shiny from the butter.

Allow to cool to warm and then cut into even size bars.
Bake 15-17 minutes and then cut into bars while still warm. Store in a zip bag to keep fresh  store in an airtight container.


These bars have dried cherries. Yum!

I love to grab one of these with my travel mug on the way out the door in the morning. Easy to make and relatively healthy, you can't beat a granola cookie bar with no preservatives.