Helping in the Kitchen

Today we made granola bars.  The kids were a big help.  Well, Carmen was and she is always eager to cook or bake. Max is eager as well, but his helping needs a little polish.  I think I told him at least 32 times to sit on his bottom or knees, he attempted to turn on the gas stove a handful of times (though not successful) and he successfully licked the top of the brown sugar canister and also put a fist full of raw flour and rolled oats in his mouth, which he promptly spit out. Needless to say this baking adventure came with lots of comic relief.  End product was a batch of yummy, quickly gobbled up granola bars.  So easy to make and worth sharing the recipe. 

Super Easy Granola Bars

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup raisins or craisins     
   

Two easy steps:

1) In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Add egg; beat well. Stir in flax and honey. In a small bowl, combine the oats, flour, cinnamon and baking soda; stir into creamed mixture just until blended. Gently stir in raisins.  

                           

2)  Press into an 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 14-18 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 1 dozen.