The Best {chewy} Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are much better then the store brands and you know whats in them!
During the school year I make these often for my kids. They have them for breakfast or bring them to school for snack, they go fast.

Preheat oven to 350.  Butter or spray a 9x13 pan.

ingredients

3 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup rice crispy cereal
1 cup flour

1/4 ground flax seed (optional)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup butter, softened {or earth balance spread}

3/4 cup honey (add more if its seems dry)

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips

handful of shredded coconut (optional)

Mix everything well, except for the chocolate chips & coconut. It takes a few minutes to really mix well! Then mix in chips & coconut. If it seems dry/crumbly, add a little more honey or soften butter.
Spread into pan, press down.

Bake about 20 min. it will start to turn golden brown. 

Let cool in pan, if you cut them too soon they will fall apart. 

Cut into bars or squares.

Store in an airtight container.  

Enjoy!