Saturday, December 11, 2010

Chewy Oatmeal Snack Bars

I found this recipe in a Betty Crocker magazine and had to try it. It didn't disappoint! My kids LOVE it - an so do I. :) I can eat one for breakfast and it keeps me full, unlike normal granola bars. I did alter it a bit, based on what I could find at the grocery store, so here's my recipe:

1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup maple syrup
2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup wheat bran
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup dried cranberries

Grease bottom and sides of 9x13 pan. Melt butter in 2-qt saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup; heat to boiling. Boil 1 minute, stirring frequently; remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Stir remaining ingredients into peanut butter mixture, mixing well. Press evenly into pan. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store in refrigerator.