This is a base recipe that is full of nutrient rich ingredients but yet is not overly sweet. The result is a chewy, almost cake-like granola bar though not at all similar to any that you would find in the supermarket. This recipe is pretty flexible so don't hesitate to modify to suit your tastes.
For a vegan version, replace the honey with maple syrup. And, try some of the suggested additions.
(Updated March 2008)
In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until well blended.
05Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and blend gently until well moistened. Add any of the suggested additions now (see Step 8). Mixture should be moist but not too wet. If it seems too dry and crumbly, add a little more applesauce (by the spoonful).
06Line a 9in x 13in pan with parchment paper and press mixture into pan.
07Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Cut into bars while warm, but let cool completely before removing from pan.
08Suggested additions (add up to 2 cups of any of the following): chocolate chips, raisins (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes then drained), unsweetened shredded coconut, sunflower seeds (unsalted), pumpkin seeds (unsalted), dried fruit (like chopped apricots, cranberries), chopped toasted nuts.