Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter or margarine, honey and brown sugar. Stir in the 2 cups assorted chocolate chips, raisins, nuts etc. Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.


I usually cut them to resemble an actual granola bar...so I get about 24-27 of them. You may have to play with your amounts a little...I found if I upped the butter, honey, oats and sugar by a 1/4 more it made enough to fill the pan better. I grease the pan with real butter and put a plastic baggie on my had and scoop the dough out and press it into the pan...that's the easiest way I could find to get it in the pan! And...I only use 1 cup of choc. chips...it's plenty! Also, you can use either quick oats or old fashioned...but the old fashion kind make a heartier, firmer bar...just my opinion! Enjoy...you won't be able to eat just one and if you use real butter, and real vanilla extract, they will be artificial free!! Which we need since my youngest is sensitive to artificials~but that will be another post for another day! Enjoy and you won't be able to eat only one...trust me!