Granola Bars

{Don't forget to enter the giveaway (below) by Friday!}

I discovered these granola bars a few years ago and like to whip them up every now and again. They are a great alternative to the store bought variety--more nutritious plus easier on the budget. Even better, everyone enjoys them, kids and grown-ups alike. Adapted from here.

Ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup ground flax seed (or wheat germ)
3/4 t ground cinnamon
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 t salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 t vanilla extract
chocolate chips to taste

Optional ingredients: flaked coconut, raisins, other dried fruit (I included coconut. Also, note that chocolate chips are NOT optional. Not for me. )

Instructions:

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

Mix together the oats, brown sugar, flax seed, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil, and vanilla. Mix well (so much easier if you use your hands). Spread mixture evenly into pan.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5-10 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm (if you wait too long they will be harder to cut).
Enjoy!