Cranberry Granola Bars

These granola bars are as easy to make as they are good for you. My 5yo asks for one as a snack just about every day. I keep them in a zip-top bag in the fridge or freezer for an easy and pretty good-for-you snack.

*5 TBSP. honey

*3 TBSP. brown sugar

*1 TBSP. corn syrup (optional, but helps those of us at high altitude)

*1 TBSP. canola oil

*1 c. natural peanut butter

*1 tsp. vanilla

*pinch of sea salt

*3 TBSP. ground flax seed

*1 1/2 c. old fashioned oats

*1 1/2 c. rice cereal

*1/2 - 1 c. dried cranberries

*1/2 c. mini chocolate chips, if desired

Lightly spray muffin tins (makes about 24) with cooking spray, set aside. In a saucepan, warm the honey and sugar(s) over low heat, stir until smooth. Remove from heat and add the oil, peanut butter and vanilla, stir well and allow to cool slightly. Stir in flax, oats, rice cereal, cranberries and chocolate chips. Scoop about 2-3 TBSP. into each muffin spot and press firmly. (I use a 2 TBSP. scoop and fill it heaping, then cover each tray with plastic wrap and use the bottom of one tray to squish the granola in the other tray.) When tray is full, cover with plastic wrap and put in freezer for at least a couple of hours. Remove from trays and store in a zip-top bag in the fridge until ready to eat.