chewy granola bars

Decent snacks are hard to find here.  Either they are really bad for you or really expensive.  When I tried this recipe out I couldn’t believe how easy and good these things are.  Definitely better then Quaker chewy granola bars and way cheaper.

Ingredients:

Quick-cook oatmeal

1 small can sweetened condensed milk (the sweeter and thicker the better- it varies by brand)

grated dried coconut (if the flakes are large, run them through a food processor)

chocolate chips

margarine or butter

Stir together the oatmeal, condensed milk and dried coconut. I find about 3 cups of oatmeal fits well in a 9X13 pan.  Use enough of the condensed milk to moisten all the oatmeal. You probably will not need the whole can.  Add coconut to taste- I use about a cup.  I find it absorbs moisture and helps bind the oatmeal and keep the bars soft.  Let sit for about 10 minutes for the oatmeal and coconut to soften.  Add as much chocolate chips as you want.  Spread in a pan, and bake for about 30 minutes (watch closely the first time- I’ve found different brands of condensed milk require different cook times.  You want the edges to brown but not burn).

That’s it!  These keep for about a week, maybe a bit longer if refrigerated.  If they turn out too crispy, just cover with some aluminum foil and let sit a while, and they will soften nicely.