Healthy Granola Bars

In the process of trying to make things healthier, not just for me but my entire family, I decided to make some granola bars. I was also craving some, so, I found a recipe and got to making it.  It's loaded with a lot of grains and fiber.  They are so good and the kids like them too!  Which was my main objective.  


1 cup rice puffs
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup rolled wheat
1/2 chopped almonds
1/2 sunflower seeds
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup dried fruit (whatever you prefer, I used cherries)

GLAZE:
2/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup + 1 TBS honey
1/4 cup butter (half a stick)
1 tsp vanilla

(I didn't have the rolled wheats on hand, so I just doubled the recipe for the rolled oats.)

Toast the raw grains in the oven for about 5 min. at 400 degrees, mixing half-way thru.

Line a 13x9 inch pan with foil or wax paper to spread granola.

Mix all dry ingredients in very large bowl. (I used my huge canning pot)

Heat all glaze ingredients in sauce pan on stove top at medium heat. Bring to boil, reduce heat to simmer, stir constantly and continue to simmer for 2 minutes. Pour glaze over dry ingredients and mix well.

Spread the granola in the lined pan and press with the back of your spoon.  Press hard so the bar doesn't fall apart.  Let cool and then cut into 14 bars. 

I had the kids help me mix the dry ingredients by taking turns.  They had a good time making and eating them! I wrapped them in plastic wrap individually, so we can grab and go if we have too.  I added it up and they are 5 WW pts a piece...so this would be more of a breakfast, then a snack!  But really worth making.