Granola Bars

3 1/2 cups quick oats
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup light Karo syrup
1 egg, well beaten
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Press firmly into a well greased 9x13 pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Run a butter knife around the edges and cut into squares with a sharp knife about 20 min. after removing from the oven.

You can substitute raisins, craisins, or chopped dried fruit for the chocolate chips and sunflower seeds, or a different type of chopped nut for the almonds. You can also substitute mild molasses or honey for the Karo syrup. I've used golden raisins and the almonds with molasses and it was a good combo.

Another tip is to use the crumbles (I usually have half a sandwich bag of crumblies) on top of vanilla yogurt. Here's a pic of the finished product!