Granola Bars

Remember that Make-Ahead Biscuit mix? Well, in my cookbook is a recipe for granola bars made from that mix. Why is that good? Well, that recipe makes A LOT of biscuit mix and this is a great way to use some of it up. I made these last night and breakfast this morning was a cinch!

Here is the recipe:

Whole Wheat Make-Ahead Biscuit Mix (can be substituted for Bisquick in recipes)

4 C sifted whole wheat flour

2 T + 1 tsp sugar

2 T baking powder

1 C shortening

1⁄2 tsp salt

2/3 C powdered milk

1 tsp cream of tartar

1⁄2 tsp baking soda

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, powdered milk, cream of tartar and baking soda. Add shortening and cut with two knives until crumbly, similar to cornmeal. You can also use your hands to combine shortening evenly...that is my favorite way to do it. Store in refrigerator and substitute for Bisquick.

Chewy Granola Bars

11⁄2 C Whole Wheat Make-Ahead Biscuit Mix

2 C uncooked quick oats

1 tsp cinnamon

1 C brown sugar

1⁄2 C butter, softened

1⁄2 C applesauce

2 eggs

11⁄2 tsp vanilla

3⁄4 C chocolate chips

One hour before making granola bars, get butter out to soften at room temperature. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix Whole Wheat Make-Ahead Biscuit Mix, oats, cinnamon and sugar. Add softened butter and mix with fork or fingers. Add remaining ingredients and stir. Press evenly in ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until knife inserted in center is set. Cut into bars while still warm. Store in covered container.

Variation: You can substitute 1⁄2 C raisins, 1⁄2 C butterscotch chips or 1⁄2 C nuts for chocolate chips.