Homemade Yummy Granola Bars

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By Barbara Day, M.S., R.D., C.N. Per Serving: 184 calories, 4 grams protein, 10 grams of fat, 21 grams of CHO,  2 grams of fiber,  71 mg sodium. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 35 minutes Serves: 18 (4 ¼ inch X 1 ½ inch bars) Ingredients
  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup toasted wheat germ
  • ¾ cup chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries, raisins or blueberries
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large egg whites
Instructions Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray 13” X 9” metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Also, line pan with foil, extending the ends 2 inches over short sides. Then spray foil.  In a glass pie plate, spread oats.  Microwave on High, in 1-minute increments, 4 to 5 minutes or until golden, stirring occasionally. Cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, combine oats, wheat germ, nuts, dried fruit, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.  Stir in honey, oil and egg whites until well mixed. Transfer to the prepared pan.  Using wet hands, press into even layer.  Bake for 32 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool in pan on a wire rack.  When completely cool, use the foil to transfer to a cutting board. Cut lengthwise into 6 strips. Cut each strip crosswise into three pieces. Shopping List
  • old fashioned oats
  • toasted wheat germ
  • chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds
  • dried cranberries, raisins or blueberries
  • honey
  • vegetable oil
  • 2 large egg or 100% egg whites
Note: Store in tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in freezer up to 1 month. Great for kids lunches. Image from: thedailygreen.com Barbara Day, M.S., R.D., C.N, is a registered dietitian who has been teaching healthy lifestyles strategies to consumers for over 35+ years. ...Read more