Granola Cookie Bars - originally posted on May 8/13

 
Sometimes you want cookies, but you don't want to take the time to make little balls of dough.  I know, how lazy is that?  Also, sometimes you want a cookie, even though it's square, full of yummy things; dried berries, nuts and orange juice.  And, if you're like me, you always want chocolate.
So, thinking all these thoughts, I hit the pile of magazine clippings on my fridge and I found a recipe close to what I wanted.  These cookies are full of goodness.
1 cup dried berries (cranberries, raisins or any dried fruit in small pieces)
1/4 cup orange juice
Soak the berries in a small bowl while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
3/4  cup butter
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 pecan pieces (any nuts will do)
Cream the butter and sugar together.  Add eggs, one at a time and cream together until it's smooth and creamy.
Add the flour, oats, baking powder and salt and stir until the mixture is starting to come together.  Toss in the berries with the juice, chocolate chips and nuts.  Stir the whole thing together just until the mixture comes together.
Press the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan and bake at 350F for about 20 to 25 minutes.  Cut into little bars.



enjoy!