Chewy Granola Bars (No Bake)

I have tried a lot of different granola bar recipes for my kids lunches. This is the one that stuck. It has great flavor and texture. You can play with add-ins but my kids prefer chocolate.  I love knowing exactly what's in the bars and save a lot of money making them organically rather than buying them.
I make a batch about once a week.  Once cut, store in an air tight container in the fridge.  They will harden when cold but thaw by lunch time.  If snacking right away, just place a bar on the counter for about 5 minutes.

Chewy Granola Bars

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1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup organic brown sugar (Do not leave out, needed for texture)
1 Tbsp. peanut butter (almond or cashew may work)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 cups rolled oats (2 regular and 2 cups gently pulsed in blender to resemble quick oats)
2 cups brown rice crisps
1/8 cup ground flax

1/4 cup chocolate chips

Optional add-ins:  Coconut, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins
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Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper.

Combine oats, brown rice crisps, and ground flax in a mixing bowl.

Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan.  Once boiling, time it for one minute, stirring gently with a spoon.  When it is thick and coats the back of a spoon it is done.  Stir in vanilla.

Working quickly, drizzle the boiled mixture over the oats and mix well making sure all grains are covered.  Press firmly into pan lined with parchment.  Chill in refrigerator for about 10 minutes until set and then cut.

Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over each individual bar.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is another staple in my kitchen that I choose to make.  Store bought brands use corn starch from genetically modified corn, and most have aluminum added!  Non GMO and aluminum free baking powder is so easy to make and such a better option!  You can buy these ingredients in bulk at most health food stores and even WinCo, making it super inexpensive! **Use this in my homemade tortilla recipe!

1 part baking soda -- FS --  I prefer Bob's Red Mill
1 part arrowroot starch
2 parts cream of tartar

Such a simple recipe!!  I usually make up a batch as follows.

1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup arrowroot starch
1/2 cup cream of tartar

Combine in a mason jar and shake.  Use in recipes just as you would the store bought stuff.