Kids in the Kitchen

The Clubhouse wafted with the smell of cinnamon, brown sugar and homemade strawberry-apple jam today. All the children, well those who could sit nicely at the table, worked together to make delicious and nutritious granola bars and strawberry cereal bars. Best of all was enjoying the treats warm from the oven. They sat around blowing their bars and eating happily. Little did they know the bars were filled with whole rolled oats and wheat germ; all the nutrients were hidden beneath jam and a bit of sugar. Below are the recipes, enjoy!

CHEWY GRANOLA BARS

1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter
2 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
1 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. oatmeal
1 1/4 c. crisp rice cereal
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. craisins or raisins
1/2 c. wheat germ

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 pan.

In a large bowl, beat brown sugar, sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add honey, vanilla, egg; mix well. Gradually blend in flour, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. By hand, literally, stir in remaining ingredients.

Press firmly in bottom of prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are light golden brown and center appears set. Cool, cut into bars.

OATMEAL JELLY BARS

2 c. rolled oats
1 c. flour
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter
1 c. strawberry jelly or preferred jelly

Mix well with fingertips, oats, flour, sugar, salt and butter. Pat 1/2 of mixture into greased 9'x9'x2" pan. Spread jelly evenly over dough. Sprinkle remaining mixture over jelly. Lightly flatten with fingertips. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven, 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown, cool in pan, cut into 24 bars.