Chewy Granola Bars and Applesauce Granola

My good friend Jeni shared this recipe with me and I am addicted!!  I made the Applesauce granola and then used the granola to make chewy granola bars!    SO GOOD!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients

• 1 stick butter
• 4 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
• 4 tbsp. honey
• 4 cups plain granola
• 2 cup rice cereal (Rice Krispies, etc.)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or dark or white or butterscotch or any combo)

Process

1. Line 9×13 with foil or parchment.  Spray the foil. Set aside.
2. Combine butter, honey and brown sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Add the granola and rice cereal into the saucepan and fold them into the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared pans and press firmly with a spatula to evenly fill. Sprinkle the chocolate and chips onto the top of the granola and gently press them down with the spatula.
6. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or until mostly cooled and set; lift out of the pan and cut into bars.

I liked to chop my chips or use mini ones.

Applesauce Granola

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
• 1 cup nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup raisins

Instructions - Preheat oven to 300F.

1. In a large bowl, mix together oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, warm the applesauce with the honey and oil over low heat.
3. Mix the applesauce mixture into the oat mixture and stir to coat everything. Spread the mixture onto a 9 x 13 baking pan.
4. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the granola is a deep brown. Remove from oven and stir in raisins. Cool completely before enjoying.

option - I decided to use 3 cups of oats and no seeds. I also omitted the raisins.