Granola Bars

One of my Christmas gifts from my hubby's uncle (thank you, ARK!) was a cookbook put together by Acres of Love, an organization that helps HIV/AIDS inflicted children in South Africa. The cookbook is compiled of "secret family recipes" from groups and individuals that support Acres of Love. One hundred percent of the proceeds from sales of their cookbooks benefit rescued children at Acres of Love in South Africa. For more info and/or to purchase a cookbook, click here. :)

OK...WOW! Let me tell you...the first recipe I tried from the cookbook was unbelievably delicious. I added a few extra ingredients and we were all very pleased with the results. GOOD STUFF!!! 

Cut the bars and cool completely before serving.

Oh, the flavors...a tasty treat, indeed! 

Safari Sisters' Crunchies

Ingredients:

• 2 c oats
• 1 c flour
• 1 c shredded coconut (I toasted it)
• 1/2 c dried cranberries
• 1/2 c chocolate chips
• 1/2 c sunflower seeds
• 3/4 c mini marshmallows 
• 1/2 c brown sugar (original recipe: 1 c granulated sugar)
• 1 1/2 sticks butter (original recipe: 2 sticks butter)
• 1 tbs Karo syrup
• 1 tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In stand mixer bowl, add oats, flour, coconut, cranberries, choc. chips, sunflower seeds, mini marshmallows and brown sugar. Mix well. The original recipe was for coconut and cranberries only, however, I wanted more flavors and textures so I added choc. chips, sunflower seeds and marshmallows.
3. In separate bowl, melt butter and add Karo syrup. Stir in baking soda.
4. Add butter mixture to flour mixture and mix well.  
5. Spray 9x13" baking dish with oil. Press into prepared dish and bake for 15 mins or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and cut into squares/rectangles while still hot. Cool completely for a crunchy treat.
7. Store in airtight container.

Source: Adapted from Treasures of Love: Secret Recipes and Gifts from the Heart Cookbook, by Acres of Love | Safari Sisters

Notes: Next time (and, yes, there will be a next time!), I'll add the following:

1/4 c flaxseed, ground

1/4 c wheat germ

1/2 c puffed rice cereal (Rice Krispie cereal)