Ah Ha!

One of the ways we keep our food budget quite slim, (aside from the fact that I am genetically predisposed to be frugal) is that we don't buy pre-packaged.

Period. (Ok, KD is our exception.)

Also, as you now well know anything with sugar is likely not making it into the shopping cart.

That said, the same old almonds and raisins, walnuts and raisins, or even homemade mini-muffins, can become trite snack selections. They all pack a punch but I'm always on the lookout for a great granola bar recipe. I seriously think this is one of those perfect go-to-yummies. Easily packed for a mid-morning outing, I just think there's something so "down to earth" good about them...but they have become manipulated by our society into these sweet-nearly-chocolate-bar material. Ugh.

I digress.

Naturally sweetened by dried fruit or whatever, they can easily be chock full of nutrition. Have you taken a stroll down the granola bar aisle lately, though? It's nearly impossible to find bars that don't have sugar listed w/in the first 5 ingredients. And for my kids especially, this is too near the top for me. Plus there's the whole pre-packaged thing. And with the whole frugal disposition weighing on my shoulders, there's no way I'm breaking the bank for a snack.

So last night I went on an internet investigation. I found what I liked, disregarded what I didn't and I came up with what I think is a pretty good combo. It needs tweaking but you know, it was simple, it was quick, and it was healthy.

I love them. And bonus, I can eat them (there are a lot of ingredients in items like this that I can't usually eat)!

The oldest gives them a thumb up.

And so does...oh hang on...

And so does the youngest.

(In our house this is thumbs up until you're about 3 years old.)

So go on and enjoy...I've added my tweaks and will continue to do so...hopefully you can add yours.

(FTD, I have some for you ready to go!)

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2 cups rolled oats (I’ve upped it to 2 1/2 cups for another batch and they turned out great)
1/4 cup wheat germ (I probably used 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup ground flax (I probably used 1/3 cup)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (more is better...I dumped a solid 2 Tbsp in there)
1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (I used spelt flour...it has a great texture plus I can eat it)
1 cup raisins (more would be fine)
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup walnuts (I would add almonds next time also...and some seeds too)
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup canola oil (I might try substituting some of the oil with apple sauce next time...oh, and I used EVOO...it's all I have and I think it's better)

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

2. In large bowl, mix together the oats, wheat germ, flax, cinnamon, flour, fruit/nuts and salt. Make a well in the centre, pour in the honey, egg, oil. Mix well. Pat the mixture evenly into the pan.

3. Bake for about 30 minutes (I found 25 made them nice and soft on the inside but crunchy around the sides of the pan), but watch the baking time. If you leave them in too long they’ll be dry. I like mine a bit chewier. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars or squares. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting or they will be too hard to cut.