Peanut Butter Granola Bars

My daughter adores these granola bars especially since she can make them entirely by herself.  This recipe was adapted from a Giada De Laurentiis recipe.  She used an entire stick of butter and I just didn't want to do that.  Her recipe called for honey but I thought the agave tasted better in this recipe.  It does have sugar but I feel the healthy things out weigh the sugar content and I even let my kids eat these for breakfast.  My daughter feels like she is pulling one over on me since it does have some dark chocolate in it.    



Peanut Butter Granola Bars 

1 egg
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/3 cup apple sauce (unsweetened)
1/4 c. canola oil
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4 c. wheat germ 
1/4 cup ground walnuts (or any nuts you like chopped if preferred)
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Cooking Spray 

Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray a 7 by 10 3/4-inch nonstick baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Lay a 6 by 18-inch piece of parchment paper in the pan, allowing the excess paper to hang over the sides. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray.  In a medium bowl beat the peanut butter, brown sugar, agave nectar.  Add in the oil and apple sauce and beat until combined.  Add in the egg.  Pour in the oats, ground nuts (or chopped nuts), chocolate chips and cinnamon.  Stir to combine.  Using a rubber spatula, spread mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing lightly to form an even layer. Bake until the edge of the mixture begins to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 1 hour. Cut into squares and serve. I like to keep mine in the fridge.