Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

I made another batch of backpacking snacks for my son to try.  These turned out pretty good but before we look at the recipe I want to share another quick snack that I found on Sarah’s blog – The Smart Kitchen.  This was so smart if you ask me.  I guess that’s why she calls it The Smart Kitchen!  I’ve had this banana creation for breakfast a few days and believe it’s the perfect combination sweet and healthy.

Slice a banana in half lengthwise.

Sarah makes her own nut butter but I pulled out what was in the fridge.  I love this Dark Chocolate Almond Butter (spread).  It’s like eating dessert!

Spread some on half the banana.

Sprinkle on nuts, honey, unsweetened coconut or anything else you like.

Seal the banana like a sandwich and …

… pop it in the freezer!  I sliced it up and put it in a container to take to work the next day.  This was so good and satisfying.  You gotta try it even if you just use peanut butter and honey.  Yum!  Great after school snack for kids, the possibilities are endless.  Thanks Sarah – you and your kitchen are so smart!

Let’s make some granola bars.  The original recipe was posted on Tasty Kitchen by Shugary Sweets.  I altered the recipe but if you want the original, click on the link for a printable copy.  I used butter, brown sugar, brown rice syrup, oatmeal, Rice Krispies, peanuts, pretzel sticks and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients:  cereal, oatmeal, peanuts and pretzels.  We’ll add the chocolate chips last.

In a small saucepan, blend the brown rice syrup, brown sugar and butter.  Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil.  Cook 2-3 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved.  Remove from heat.

Pour the syrup over the cereal and pretzel mixture and blend until well mixed.

Once combined stir in the chocolate chips.

Press the mixture into a parchment lined 13×9 inch pan.  Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. I think if I make these again I will use a smaller pan so the bars are thicker.  Make sure to press hard so they stay together once set.

My son stopped by and tried them but still has not decided which snack(s) he wants to take on the backpacking trip.  It doesn’t matter to me.  We’ll eat them and are happy to have a reason to mix ’em up.  You know these taste good with ingredients like chocolate, pretzels and peanuts!