Elise's Granola Bars

I'd been looking for a yummy homemade granola bar recipe and my friend, Elise recommended this one, it's great!

In large mixing bowl combine:

1 c flour
4 c oatmeal (add another 1/2 c if you don't want nuts, chips, fruit, etc)
1/2 c milled flax
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

In microwaveable bowl melt:
1/3 c brown sugar
2/3 c marg/butter
1/2 c honey
Then stir in 1 tsp vanilla
(consider substituting maple syrup or molassas for part of this, haven't tried it yet, but sounds good)

stir well, then combine with dry ingredients. then add any or all of the following:

1-1 1/2 c mini choc chips (i use half mini m&m's)
1 c rough-chopped nuts (i like almonds)
1/2 c coconut (for chewiness)
1/2 c raisins
etc...

coat everything well. press into 9x13" pan and bake 20 minutes @ 325. after removing from oven, press down firmly (with large metal spoon) or they'll crumble. let cool at least 15 minutes, better if completely cool. cut and store or serve.

Oat and Jam Bars

1 cup flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup fruit jam (strawberry, blackberry, apricot, etc.)

Cream butter and sugar. Combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt separately. Add to butter/sugar mixture and mix well. Measure out 2 cups of mixture and press into an 8x8" pan. Spread jam over pressed mixture then gently press remaining crumbs on top. Bake 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Allow to completely cool before cutting and serving.

Quick and Easy Snacks or Light Meals

• Pita Pocket: Stuff 1 whole-wheat pita with 3 ounces of fresh turkey, chicken, or crab salad (use canned crabmeat mixed with fat-free mayo and spices), 2 tablespoons of avocado or guacamole, 1 ounce cheese, and lettuce and tomato. Serve with a piece of fruit.

• Crunchy Grilled Chicken Fiesta Salad: Place 3 to 4 ounces of chopped grilled chicken breast on chopped lettuce with 1/3 cup black beans, 2 tablespoons of corn, 2 tablespoons of guacamole, chopped tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of pine nuts (optional), and 1 ounce shredded low-fat cheese. Top with salsa or low-fat dressing (cilantro works well too!).

• Mediterranean Roll-Up: Spread 1 whole-wheat tortilla with hummus (a chickpea spread), cover with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Top with a sprinkling of pasteurized feta cheese and a dollop of plain yogurt. For an Italian Roll-Up, try turkey meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce.