NIAGARA BARS - GRANOLA BARS

Makes about 32 bars

2 2/3 cups old-fashioned/rolled oats (or 3 cups)

½ cup plus 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ cup sesame seeds (or 1/4 cup)

½ cup brown sugar (or 1/4 cup)

¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or ½ teaspoon)

½ teaspoon salt

1/3 cup nonfat powdered milk (or optional)

½ cup vegetable/canola oil (or ¼ cup)

¾ cup honey (or 1/3 cup)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 cup dried cranberries, raisins or chopped dried apricots (optional)
1/3 cup chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips (optional)

1/3 cup sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, pepitas, or other nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 325F.  Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper.  

In a bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.

Measure the oil, honey, and vanilla into a measuring cup, and warm it in the microwave for abut 20 seconds or pour the measured oil, honey, and vanilla into a small saucepan and heat until warm so the honey will be thinner.

Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and stir well.

Pat the mixture into the pan evenly, about ½-inch thick.

Bake for 30 minutes.  If it is still too soft, turn off the oven and leave it for another 5-8 minutes.

Cool completely before removing it from the pan cool or it will break.

Cut into 32 bars.

From Lipsmackin’ Vegetarian Backpackin’ by Christine and Tim Conners. 

TESTER’S NOTE:  If you use my reduced amount of oil, honey, and brown sugar, add ¼ to 1/3 cup water to the liquid so that the oats will be moist enough to make into sturdy bars.  If you would like to make granola, you might not need as much water to make it into clusters of granola.  If you think you add too much water, it is okay, the oats will absorb the extra water and you might need to bake it a few minutes longer.
If you would like to add more optional ingredients, add enough water to make sure that the mixture will stick together.  Optional ingredients are sweet so use the reduced amount of honey and brown sugar.