Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

I made a batch of these crunchy bars for a recent road trip to Wales.  They were too crumbly for the kids to eat in the car, but a perfect snack for our long walks and exploring through cities and castles.  They have a light and crunchy texture.  Yummy!

adapted from here

1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup honey
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups rolled oats
3 cups puffed cereal, like Rice Crispies
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 cup chocolate chips


Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking pan.  Preheat oven to 250.

In a medium saucepan, combine the oil, honey, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.  Place over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil and the sugar is dissolved.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, puffed cereal, seeds, and nuts.

Pour the syrup over the cereal mixture and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon to combine well.  Let mixture cool for a couple minutes, then gently stir in chocolate chips (this will prevent the chocolate chips from completely melting).

Press the mixture into the oiled pan and bake for 30 minutes.  Let cool completely before cutting into bars.  Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.