Chewy Granola Bars

I love baking this time of year. The cooler temperatures and beautiful colors in the trees seem to beg for yummy goodies full of oatmeal, raisins and walnuts. We're having a group of friends over this weekend for a bonfire and BBQ. These should taste awesome!

Note: You can change these up in a number of ways. My mom makes this recipe and tosses in 1 1/4 cups of Rice Krispies. It makes for a nice "crunch". You can also add chopped nuts in addition to or in place of the raisins. Lots of ideas for "finishing" these as well -- drizzle with simple vanilla icing, or honey or maple syrup. The possibilities are endless.

OVEN: 350 degrees

Combine:
1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg

Stir in:
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 3/4 cups quick oats
1 cup raisins

Press into a 15x10" greased bar pan. Bake 10-12 minutes. While still slightly warm, cut into squares.

YIELD: 2 dozen squares

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Cappuccino Balls

I have to admit, I really don't like coffee in any form. But I do love the smell of it perking! So this recipe is for a friend ... made by another friend. Both of whom love coffee and love sharing baked goods.

I also hear tell that these freeze very well, so you can make them ahead and save for later. And no oven needed!


1 1/2 cups butter
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
2 Tablespoons cold coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup finally chopped nuts of choice (use a food processor)
Additional sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add cocoa, coffee and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in oats and nuts. Chill. Shape dough into 1" balls. Roll in additional sugar and store in your refrigerator.

Enjoy ... and I won't even ask for any!!

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