Corn-Syrup Free Granola Bars Sweetened with Apple Sauce

2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup ground flax
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup honey
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup apple sauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 baking pan.

2. In large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, flax, cinnamon, flour, chocolate chips and salt. Make a well in the centre, pour in the honey, egg, applesauce and vanilla. Mix well. Pat the mixture evenly into the pan.

3. Bake for about 30 minutes, but watch the baking time. If you leave them in too long they’ll be dry. I like mine a bit chewier. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars or squares. Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting or they will be too hard to cut.

chocolate chips can be substituted for raisins, dried fruit, nuts or seeds of various kinds.