30 Day Challenge - Day 2 - Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Granola Bars

I love Pinterest....getting so many fabulous recipes from them.  Today is Day 2 in my 30 Day Challenge of trying a new recipe every day.  The recipe doesn't have to be a main meal....it can be a side dish, dessert or a snack (like this one).  Today we had soccer for Abby in the afternoon, then out to lunch and back home for a bit before we head out for a family dinner with our extended family, so my time is limited on what I could make today.  So I looked through my Yummies board on Pinterest to see what I could make.  Found the Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Granola Bars...had all the ingredients, which made it even better!  My house smells like peanut butter at the moment...which is fine with me.  =)

Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Granola Bars

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars (Yield 12-16 granola squares)
4 cups rolled oats
2 tablespoons chia seeds (these are optional, I just love the texture they give)
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped
3/4 cup natural peanut butter, melted
1/2 cup brown rice syrup (honey works too!)

add ins!
chocolate chips
wheat germ
flaxseed
dried fruit (I made some with cherries!)
other nuts
seeds
coconut

Preheat over to 350.

In a large bowl, combine oats, chia seeds and peanuts. Add brown rice syrup (or honey) and mix to combine. Add melted peanut butter and mix until moistened. This works as a perfect, simple granola bar, but you can also throw in any add-ins at this time. Fold them into the dough. You may need to get in there with your hands and work the granola dough! If dough is still too dry (this can depend on your ingredients) add more peanut butter or syrup (or honey) 1 tablespoon at a time until moistened.

Press dough in a greased (non-stick spray) 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.

These would also work as a great no-bake granola bar, but I liked how they came together and the chocolate chips melted as they got warm. If you want to make no-bakes, simply press the dough into the pan and refrigerate for 60 minutes.