Alicia's Granola Bars

This is my friend Alicia's recipe. I have made these twice in the last week! 

These granola bars are so easy! Better than store bought (and healthier, too!)

Homemade Granola Bars

1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies (can increase up to 2 cups)
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup light corn syrup or honey (I used 1/4 c. of each)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup raisins (optional) or chopped nuts (optional) or seeds (optional) or coconut(optional)
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Prepare a 13 x 9-inch baking dish by lining it with foil and spraying with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl combine Rice Krispies cereal, oats and raisins. (And any other fruit, nut or seed you choose to use.)

In a saucepan, stir the corn syrup or honey and brown sugar until just at a boil.
Immediately remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla until well combined.
Pour over the dry ingredients in the bowl; mix to combine.
Mix in mini chocolate chips (if using). Work fast, the mixture hardens quickly.
Transfer the mixture into prepared baking dish, then using slightly wet hands push evenly down into the pan. (Be sure to press it all down firmly. I used the bottom of a measuring cup.)

While the mixture is still soft, for easier slicing take a sharp knife and slice into desired size bars.
Chill until firm.