Granola Bars

I have been making my own granola bars for a couple of years. James loves taking them in his lunch and I was so tired of paying $3.00 to $5.00 for a box of granola bars that were so small you could eat them in one bite. These probably do have a lot of calories but they are still healthier. I've had several requests for my recipe which is from "Martha's Family Cookery Book" by Martha Greene.

Granola Bars
3 Cups brown sugar, packed
2 Cups cooking oil (canola, safflower or corn oil)
Add in:
4 eggs
Beat in:
2 tsp vanilla flavoring
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 Cups rolled oats
1 Cup walnuts, chopped
1 Cup shredded coconut (optional)
4 Cups whole wheat flour

Divide batter evenly between 2 greased 11x17 baking pans and spread out evenly. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes. Cut into squares while warm. Remove from pan to cool.
*You can use 1 Cup of any dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, dates or apple pieces.

*I place chocolate chips on the tops right before putting in the oven. Then I spread it before I cut.

It really does make a lot. This is before I put them in the oven. It does take a few times making them to get a system down where it's easy to spread and cut.

I have a Bosch Universal mixer that I mix the dough up with. If you are going to use a kitchen aid I would recommend cutting the recipe in half.
These granola bars freeze well.

A visit to Mrs. C's

One of my favorite places to go is my girlfriend's ranch. It's a beautiful drive to there and she always makes me feel so welcome and relaxed. I'm pretty sure she gets a few laughs out of my visit as it is quite clear that I'm a city girl and haven't been around animals (except for dogs) at all! So, while I was there last week I took some photos for a couple my girls who came last summer. This was their absolute favorite place that I took them and I know they'd want to see how much the boys have grown. By the way girls, I went there today and she and Mr. C had to kill some rattle snakes the other day.....yuck! You know how much I love snakes....

These are their pigs. The oldest loves to go chase them around. I stay behind the gate because knowing my reputation, they would end up chasing me! ha!

Both boys helping with the chores

The pigs sure do love the mud. It's fun to watch them roll in it...by the way, these are Not guinea pigs...HA!

Mrs. C and her youngest

Daisy

Last week we got a new puppy. My girlfriend was so kind and brought it home for us from vacation at her in-laws in Oregon. Daisy is so sweet and she and Lily love chasing each other around. Lily still isn't used to her...but she'll adjust. Daisy loves to take naps with me and snuggle right up against me, lay on her back and snore away. The sounds dogs make are so sweet but that is also why both my dogs sleep in their crate at night way on the other end of the house. I'm such a light sleeper I would be up all night if they were in the same room with me.

This is my square foot garden. As you can see, it is a work in progress but it's looking pretty with the marble rock down. It is slowly growing a little each day.

New Photos

I'm putting these up for my mom and the kids to see. Enjoy!