Extension for Real Life

The Food Factor | Homemade Honey-Cranberry Granola Bars

Making my own snacks gives me complete control over the ingredients. I love to use local honey in this recipe for homemade granola bars, which are lower in calories than most store-bought options, and are high in fiber. And the cranberries give this snack that sweet-tart combination I enjoy.

This was a new recipe for me, and to be completely honest, if I made these again, I would need to tweak the recipe a little as they turned out to be pretty crumbly. I also lined my pan with parchment paper.

Thanks to our friends at North Dakota State University Extension Service for this printable recipe.

Video by Jonathan Parrish

Ingredients

• ½ c. honey
• 2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. brown sugar, packed
• 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. oil
• 1½ c. oatmeal oats, quick (uncooked)
• 1¼ c. toasted rice cereal
• 1¼ c. dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine honey, brown sugar and oil in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until well mixed. Mix oats, rice cereal and cranberries. Add honey mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Pat firmly into an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes; press firmly into the bottom of the pan once more. Bake five more minutes. Cool completely. Refrigerate at least one hour for easier cutting.

Makes 16 servings.