Granola Bars: Step 1

My breakfast: homemade yogurt, strawberry preserves and this delicious granola! What a great way to start the day :)

You don't really have to do this step to make your own granola bars. I just did because I'm cheap. Oh, and forgetful. I knew I wanted to make these, but when I went shopping this weekend I forgot to buy any granola.

Not a problem though, I simply made my own and so can you! Can I just say this is the BEST granola recipe I have made yet? It is super low fat because it uses applesauce instead of tons of oil like other recipes use.

I found the recipe here, but I made some changes. Or subtractions...however you want to look at it :)

Applesauce Granola

2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1 Tablespoon honey

1 Tablespoon Oil

Mix the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the applesauce, oil and honey. When it is warm, stir it into the oat mixture. Now, at this point you can add up to 2 cups of assorted nuts/seeds, but I chose to leave them out since I was going to be making granola bars with it. Spread it into a 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees, stirring every 10 minutes for about 40-50 minutes, or until really golden brown.

If you are going to use this as breakfast cereal, you could add fruit to it after it has cooled and store it in an airtight container.

If you plan on making granola bars....you'll have to come back tomorrow and read part 2!