Chewy Chocolate Granola Bars

Ingredients

• 2-1/2 cups quick OR old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ, optional
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Spray 13 x 9-inch pan with cooking spray.

Mix together cereals, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips and wheat germ in a large bowl.

Combine peanut butter, corn syrup and brown sugar in a microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract until well blended and smooth.

Pour over cereal mixture and stir until evenly coated. Spoon into prepared pan. Press down firmly. Let stand for an hour; cut into bars.

*Tip* Peanut butter can be substituted with 1 cup of  soy, almond, or sunflower butter.