Winning recipe: Thick and chewy granola bars

Try this as a quick on-the-go breakfast or a healthy snack during the day. The recipe is flexible, add whatever add-ins you like. The recipe can be doubled and extras can be kept in the freezer.

Recipe for thick and chewy granola bars

Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup oat flour (or 1/3 cup oats, processed till finely ground in a food processor or blender)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 2-3 cups dried fruits, nuts, or other add-ins*
• 1/3 cup nut butter (peanut or almond butter is fine)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine (melted)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup (you can use light corn syrup or honey if you do not have agave)
• 1 tablespoon water

*Here are some popular add-ins: dried cherries, chocolate chips, pecans and sesame seeds. You can also add dried cranberries, apricots, apples, pears, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, coconut, M&Ms, or any other dried fruit or nuts.

Directions:

1. Pre heat oven to 350°F. Line an 8" x 8" x 2" pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan or coat with a non-stick spray.
2. Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla, melted butter or margarine, liquid sweeteners, water, and nut butter until smooth. Toss the wet ingredients with the dry until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Spread in the prepared pan, pressing them in firmly.
3. Bake the bars for 28-35 minutes, until they're lightly browned on the edges. They will still seem soft and under baked when you press the centre. Let cool fully before cutting into squares with the serrated knife. I sometimes put them in the freezer before cutting so they cut smoothly.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in the freezer.

Makes 10-12 2" x 3" bars.

Recipe courtesy of Sawan Massey.