No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

Let's put one hand over our heart, the other on The Book, and testify that we'll never buy pre-packaged granola bars again!
Well, you can say I was a bit moved by the ease and yum factor of this recipe, and how I never happened upon it before, I do not know.
If you can make Rice Crispy treats, you can make these. Be sure to see my tips after the recipe, and report back if you come up with some killer flavor combos!

Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars

adapted from HERE

Snack, Dessert | Servings: 18 servings
Prep time: 0 | Cook time: 5 min | Total time: 25 min

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar**
  
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cups plain granola**
• 1 cup rice cereal (Rice Krispies, etc.)
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips**

Process

1. Line one 11×7 inch baking pan with foil or parchment. Lightly butter or spray the foil. Set aside.
2. Combine honey and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in brown sugar after butter starts to melt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Add the granola and rice cereal into the saucepan and fold them into the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared pans and press firmly with a spatula to evenly fill. Sprinkle the chocolate and peanut butter chips onto the top of the granola and gently press them down with the spatula.
6. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or until mostly cooled and set; lift out of the pan and cut into bars.

**My Tips**

• My bars were a little "loose," and didn't want to hold their bar shape (not like that kept anyone from scarfing them!) Anyway, next time I'll up the brown sugar a bit to see if it provides a bit more "glue."
• In reading the original recipe, I learned that the type of granola you use can be a factor in the success, and actually, the calorie count on these bars. The Brazilian granola I used was very loose and barely toasted. It's probably best to stay away from pre-boxed cereal granolas that possibly have added sugar, binders and other preservatives. If you have a bulk-foods section in your market, that may be where you can find plain, lowfat granola.
• Sky's the limit on what you mix into these babies. I happened to have white chips on hand, but my preference would be something like toffee chunks (slurp!) If you wanna go a bit more...well, Granola, try adding in something like Craisins, dried apricot pieces, and/or nuts.

Back to the Cutting Board also has some good tips on making the ultimate granola bar.