Homemade Granola Bars

2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon EACH cinnamon & baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups dry oatmeal
1 1/2 cup Crispy Rice Cereal, or other unsweetened cereals as desired, corn flakes, toasted oats, bite sized shredded wheat, corn checks etc.
1/3 cup raisins or other dried fruit (nuts are good also)

First melt the butter. In a large bowl combine it with the honey, applesauce, milk, cinnamon and egg. Mix very well. Add the flour, baking soda, salt and oatmeal. The mixture will be very thick but still moist. Now stir in the unsweetened cereal and raisins. Mix well. Press the mixture into a well oiled medium baking pan. Might want to use wet hands to press it down. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes.


*Sunny Apricot Bars: Replace the raisins with finely chopped dried apricots. Add 1/4 cup sunflower seeds.

*Chocolate Chip & Peanut Bars: Omit the raisins. Add 1/4 cup each semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted peanuts.

*White Chocolate & Cranberry Bars: Omit the raisins. Add 1/4 cup each white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.

*Rocky Road Bars: Omit raisins. Add 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocoalate chips, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows.