Weelicious Guest Post + GIVEAWAY ~ Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

by Catherine at Weelicious...

With back-to-school season in full swing I find myself running more errands and having less time for those important tasks, like you know, feeding myself and my children!  I know... on those busy mornings when you don't have time for breakfast, there's nothing easier than tossing a granola bar into your child's lunch box and another one into your purse, but a majority of the brands on the market are not as healthy as their manufacturers would lead you to believe.  Plus, they are made with ingredients I can't even begin to pronounce. 

These Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are unbelievably delicious and, if you wrap them individually, just as easy to grab when you're on-the-go as the ones you buy at the market (plus, you'll have no problem pronouncing all the ingredients in these).  But the best part?  Most pre-packaged bars will run you a dollar or more, compared to the less than $4 it costs to make this recipe (and don't forget the time you'll also save not having to go to the grocery store).

These bars are versatile, too!  You can easily replace the chocolate chips with naturally sweet dried fruit like cranberries, cherries or raisins.  Chewy and crunchy with toasted oats and a sweet surprise in every bite, these Chocolate Chip Granola Bars are a must for your back to school rotation!

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Printable Recipe

4 cups old fashioned oats

1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 cup chocolate chips*

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup honey

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.

2. Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.

4. Pour the wet ingredients over the oat mixture and stir to combine.

5. Place granola mixture on a parchment lined baking sheet and shape into a rectangle, about 13x9x1 inch thick.

6. Bake for 40 minutes or until edges begin to turn golden brown and it is set.

7. Allow to cool completely then cut into 3-inch x 1-inch bars.**

*You can substitute raisins or other dried fruit for the chocolate chips.

**Individually wrapped, the bars will remain fresh for several weeks.

~GIVEAWAY~

Catherine is graciously giving away TWO of her new cookbooks to you people!

Please comment below and I will randomly select TWO winners on Friday at 8am PST.

Good luck and thank you Catherine!