By Kelly Bogard

We’re well into the school year and all the activities that come with it—homework, sports, theater practice and so much more. It’s enough to work up an appetite. Every day.

I know that’s how it is for Butters. She’s one of those kids who eat all day. A good breakfast. Tasty lunch. A snack at school. And, of course, a snack when she gets home. All before supper at 6 p.m. That’s about five small meals each day.

And in order to make sure she’s eating foods that are good for her, I rely on the food services at her school and my mommy intuition. Next week, Oct. 12-16, is National School Lunch Week, and I appreciate all those who work to feed our kids at school.

But what can satisfy a big appetite and active kids when they get home? One of Butters’ favorites…

For Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars, you will need…Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars
2 c. rolled oats
1 c. flour
3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
3/4 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. honey
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. salt
1 egg, beaten

This recipe makes enough granola bars not only for Butters’ snack each day, but also for her daddy and me for breakfast for a week. It’s only a few steps and can be made and stored on a Sunday afternoon without any fuss.

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. While the oven is heating, mix the oats, flour, sugar, cranberries, pecans and spices in a large bowl until everything is well-coated in the flour.
Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars

Next, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients to hold all of the liquids and pour them in.
Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars

This is where it gets a little messy, but so fun for little hands. Mix all of the ingredients together with your hands until everything is wet and sticky.
Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars

Move the mixture to a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan and flatten out to the edges. If you don’t use parchment, be sure to grease the pan so the bars don’t stick.
Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars

Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Let sit for about 10 minutes and then cut into bars while they are still warm.
Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars

These granola bars are perfect for an afternoon boost in between a great school lunch and a hearty dinner. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

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Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars

Summary: Perfect bite for hungry snackers

Ingredients

Cranberry Pecan Granola Bars

  • 2 c. rolled oats
  • 1 c. flour
  • 3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 c. dried cranberries
  • 1/2 c. chopped pecans
  • 1/2 c. vegetable oil
  • 1/2 c. honey
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3/4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
  • Create a well in the dry ingredients.
  • Pour all of the wet ingredients into the well.
  • Mix with hands until everything is combined.
  • Place the granola mixture into a 9×13 baking dish lined with parchment or use cooking spray.
  • Flatten the mixture into the bottom of the pan until flat and touching the edges.
  • Bake in the oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes and then cut into bars.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Baking time (duration): 0 hour(s), 35 minutes

Number of servings (yield): 15 bars

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