Homemade Granola Bars..these are wonderful and healthy! They also make a great on-the-go breakfast or lunchbox snack! If you are gluten-intolerant, use coconut or almond flour. You won't be able to keep them around :) Enjoy!

HOMEMADE GRANOLA BARS

¼ cup butter, softened         

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons ground flaxseed

2 tablespoons honey

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries

2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped almonds (optional)

In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar for about 1 minute.  Add the egg, flaxseed, vanilla and honey and mix well.  In a separate bowl, mix together oats, flour, cinnamon, and baking soda.  Gradually mix into butter mixture.  Lastly, add in dried fruit and seeds or nuts.  Press into an 11x7 baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes.  Don’t cook any more than 30 minutes.  They will seem as if they should could longer, but go ahead and take them out of the oven and let them sit for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into squares.  These are delicious and healthy for an on-the-go breakfast or snack!  Enjoy J