Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

Here's a little backstory for these amazing (and healthy) granola bars. As you may know, I'm on an eternal quest to create healthy breakfasts and after-school snacks for my boys. And since they both run track, they need nutritious fuel, not just fuel.

So I knew I wanted to make granola bars. That said, most homemade bars are chewy, not crisp. When it comes to the granola bars, we prefer them more crispy.

I also wanted to make the bars vegan, mostly because it seems many of you appreciate that. So how is this recipe vegan if I sweeten the bars with honey? Because I used Bee Free Honee, honey made with apples!

Wait until you try these gems. They require just a handful of ingredients, and you can use this as a base recipe for all future bars. I added mini chocolate chips, and next time I'll try dried fruit (like cranberries, raisins and cherries). You can also add chopped nuts, like walnuts, peanuts and almonds.

Note: Don't worry if you think the bars won't get crisp. The trick is to cut them 10 minutes after they come out of the oven, while they're still chewy. They crisp up as they cool. And, if little pieces fall off while cutting, just press them back in!

Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

2 1/2 cups rolled oats, regular or quick-cooking
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup honey, regular or vegan
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (vegan if desired)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper, so the bottom and sides are covered, leaving a few inches of overhang so you can easily remove the bars from the pan.
Place 1/2 cup of the oats in a food processor, spice grinder or coffee grinder and process until you reach a coarse flour-like consistency. Transfer the oat flour to a large bowl and add the rest of the oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, sugar, water, and vanilla. Add the mixture to the oats and stir to combine. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan (use a spatula if your fingers are sticking).
Bake for 20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes before slicing into 10 bars. The bars will crisp up as they cool.
Cool completely before wrapping or storing in an airtight container.

Makes 10 granola bars