Chewy Granola Bars

These granola bars are quick and easy and make a great after school snack.  I left off the chocolate chips (shocker, I know!) but they would have been delicious either way.  I also doubled the recipe and it filled a large cookie sheet perfectly.  The next time I make these I will probably use half as much brown sugar or leave it out all together... they were quite sweet and I think they'd still be good (and healthier) with the sugar adjusted.... I will have to play around with it next time.  This recipe came from here. 

Chewy Granola Bars

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 cup rice krispies cereal
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1. Lightly coat a 9X11-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside. Or double the recipe and use a large jelly roll pan.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats and rice krispies. Set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, honey and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes together, stirring frequently. Cook at a simmer (so the mixture is lightly bubbling) for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
3. Pour the wet mixture over the oats/rice krispies and mix with a wooden spoon until evenly moistened. Using a piece of wax paper, press the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down very firmly. If the mixture isn't pressed down well enough, the bars will be crumbly once they cool. Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top. Press lightly if you want them to stick to the bars.
4. Let the bars cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature. Cut into rectangles. Store well covered at room temperature for 2-3 days.