Easy Granola Bars

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour ( whole wheat flour works well)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup butter, softened — you can substituted this with Applesauce
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease one 9×13 inch pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter or margarine, honey and brown sugar. Stir in the 2 cups assorted chocolate chips, raisins, nuts etc.
3. Lightly press mixture into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving.

(Submitted by Judy Richins)

White Chocolate Party Mix

16 c popped popcorn
3 c frosted cheerios
1 1/2 c pecan halves
1 pkg milk chocolate M&M's (14oz)
1 pkg pretzel sticks
1 pkg toffee bits (10oz)
2 pkgs vanilla chips (10-12oz)
2 tbsp vegetable oil

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In a microwave or heavy saucepan melt chips and oil. Stir unil smooth. Pour over popcorn mixture an dtoss to coat. Immediately spread onto two baking sheets; let stand until dry, about 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.

Yield 9 1/2 quarts.

Recipe Submitted by Michelle Westerlind (recipe exchange)