Whole Grain Granola Bars

I made these for the first time this afternoon - they are wonderful. I made them for the kids lunches for the week, but we had some for dessert tonight and the kids loved them.

Next time I might try some sunflower or sesame seeds too.

Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats (you can use instant oatmeal for a less textured finish)

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup ground flax

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cups dried cranberries (or raisins)

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 cup of good semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)

1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

1/2 cup honey

1 egg

1/2 cup canola oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 baking pan.

2. In large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, flax, cinnamon, flour, cranberries and salt. Mix in optional ingredients: sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips.
3. In a small bowl whisk together the honey, egg, oil and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Spoon the mixture in to the pan and pat evenly.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes, cut into bars and remove from pan to cool on a rack.

Another option is to leave the chocolate out of the mix and rather sprinkle them over the cooked bars before you slice them. Let them melt and spread the chocolate over the top. Let it cool and harden completely before slicing.