Granola Bars

10 cups quick oats (or rolled oats pulsed in the food processor a few times)
1 cup flaxseed meal*
1 cup whole wheat flour (use oat flour for gluten-free bars)
1 Tbsp. salt
1 cup sucanat (or brown sugar)
2 cups honey
2 Tbsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups coconut oil (don't sub)
3 cups chocolate chips (or nuts, or dried fruit, or any combination of the three)

Preheat oven to 350 and line one large sheet pan and one half-sheet pan with tinfoil or parchment paper.

Mix all dry ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a large bowl. Measure wet ingredients on top and stir until combined well. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spread evenly onto pans and press down very firmly and evenly. (I lay a sheet of parchment paper on top first so the mixture doesn't stick to my hands.)

Bake for 18 minutes. (Don't overbake or the bars won't be soft and chewy).
Cool completely on wire rack. To remove from pan, lift tinfoil carefully and slide a cutting board beneath the bars. Cut into bars.





*Can be replaced with another cup of whole wheat or oat flour