Outpost Granola Bars

I miss living in Tosa because of its proximity to Outpost Natural Foods. They have lots of tasty treats, more bulk food than you can ask for, and a great organic selection in produce and seafood. YUM! My absolute favorite treat in the bakery section is the signature granola bars. They are peanut buttery, sweet, chewy and a little cruch from walnuts. I was lucky enough to stumble across the recipe in the recipe section of www.jsonline.com ... so I'm here to share it with you. It's on my list of things to do this afternoon!
Outpost Natural Foods Vegan Chewy Granola Bars
2 cups sugar
11 ounces smooth peanut butter
1 cup brown rice syrup
1/2 pound soy margarine
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup wheat germ
3 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix sugar, peanut butter, rice syrup, soy margarine and vanilla until well combined. Add dry ingredients and mix well.

With rolling pin, roll out in a half sheet pan (11 3/4-by-16 1/2-inches) until evenly distributed and flat.

Bake in preheated oven about 20 minutes, or until edges are just starting to brown. Cool completely. Cut into 24 bars.

*Raisins are included in Outpost bars, so you could add them or any type of dried fruit. I think I'm going to try cherries. Mmmm.

**AS A SIDE NOTE, THESE SEEMED QUITE GREASY AFTER MAKING THEM. AFTER LETTING THEM SIT OVERNIGHT, THEY WERE MORE LIKE THOSE AT THE OUTPOST BAKERY.