Granola bars

I've tried a lot of recipes for granola bars....this is the one we have settled on that can pretty much be made in lots of ways and we haven't had a failed attempt yet! If you are in the market for a new recipe-give this one a try.

Chewy Granola Bars
(original recipe from-all recipes.com)

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups rolled oats-I have substituted 1 cup of rice krispies for 1 cup oats
  
• 1 cup all-purpose flour-I use all spelt flour
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup butter, softened-I have used all peanut butter
  
• 1/2 cup honey
• ------------------------
  
• 1/4 cup milk-optional
  
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar-optional
• 1 T. cinnamon-optional
• 2 cups craisin-optional
  
• 2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips-optional
• 2 cups raisins-optional
• 2 cups nuts-optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter, honey.
   
3. MIX WELL for a few minutes until well combined. Add milk into mixture if it is to dry(-I've only had to do this once). Stir in the 2 cups assorted chocolate chips, raisins, nuts etc.
4. Press mixture into the prepared pan until smooshed with a piece of wax paper. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes then press down again with wax paper. Cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.
5. Makes about 18 bars.
6. --one of our favorites is all peanut butter and cinnamon. :)