Granola Bars

This recipe produces a crunchy, cinnamon-chocolatey experience for those of you tired of those chewy homemade versions of granola bars. Thanks to the NYTimes health section, Martha Shulman, for providing such a tasty snack for hiking trips!

The ground squirrel that wanted my granola bar

The view from the Sulphur Skyline trail peak

Chocolate Granola Bars 
3 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 c. rolled oats
1/2 c. flaxseed meal
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 c. honey
2 Tbs brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. chopped bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips

1. Butter a 9x9 baking dish. Heat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet, add the oats and stir until the oats are lightly toasted, ~ 6-7min.
3. Combine the flaxseed, cinnamon, salt, and oats in a bowl.
4. Bring the honey, vanilla, and brown sugar to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes.
5. Pour over the dry mixture and stir well.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes, then stir in chocolate.
7. Press into pan and bake for 20 min. Let cool and slice into squares.