Granola Bars!

Do any of you have the same problem as me? When you get a chance to sit down with a cup of coffee (if sitting down is ever possible, or if you drink coffee), do you crave a little something sweet to go with it? I do. In fact, it has become a bad habit that I am slowly trying to rid myself of. Admittedly, I am taking baby steps, but trying nonetheless. I have started making these granola bars on occasion that I enjoy and that I can share with my kiddos. (The recipe is also easy enough that they can help make them, too!) The granola bars are not perfectly healthy, as you will see when you peruse the ingredients, but they are delicious and a step in the right direction. I also figure they are most definitely better for me than devouring a cookie, cupcake, or (most) muffins! Why don't you try them for yourself and then let me know what you think and if you have some healthier replacements to add in?

Granola Bars

2 Cups rolled oats

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 cup sliced almonds (or other nut that you prefer)

1/2 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chips

1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries

1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and preheat to 325 degrees. Grease a 9-square-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl. Turn into prepared pan and pat down until firmly packed. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool to room temperature and put pan in freezer.

When bar is firm, use cake spatula to remove from pan. (If left in freezer too long you may need to let it set on counter top first before removing.) Use a long sharp knife to cut bar into 16 1-by 4-inch bars. Can be stored in an airtight container up to 1 week or frozen.

Super easy, right? And tasty! Give 'em a try and let me know what you think. :) They sure disappear at our house.