Homemade graham crackers

This recipe doesn't use graham flour, just whole wheat flour. We have soft white wheat and we grind it ourselves very fine so there isn't a big difference.

1/4 cup powdered dry skim milk
1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, beaten lightly
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
6 cups whole wheat flour (approx)

Mix together the powdered milk, water and lemon juice.  In separate bowl combine the brown sugar, honey, oil, vanilla and eggs. Combine both mixtures and then add salt, baking soda and flour. The amount of flour needed will vary - add more if its too wet or sticky. The mixture will be fairly sticky but should pull away from bowl easily. Spray oil on your hands and divide the dough into 4 parts. Each ball can be rolled out on a cookie sheet to 1/8" thick. (This will take some patience!) Thicker will make them more cakey and cookie like. (We like them this way too!) Prick dough with fork. Bake at 375 F for 15 minutest or until light brown. Remove from oven and immediately cut into squares.

This makes a TON of crackers but we have always eaten them within two days so I can't tell you about storage. If you are concerned, cut the recipe in half easily. They are delicious!

Granola bars

A dear friend shared this recipe with me, it makes delicious granola bars. I have given up my dependency on Nature Valley because now I can whip up my own! Yay! Cheaper, healthier, tastier and definitely kid friendly. I took these on a trip with some friends and all the kids were eating them and asking for more and picking at crumbs. Perfect for emergency snacks in the car, on trips, or just for snacking, You will love this simple recipe too.

Granola Bars

4 cups quick cook oatmeal, unprepared
¾ cup chocolate chips
¾ cup grated coconut
¾ cup chopped nuts/dried fruit
¾ cup honey
¾ cup peanut butter
milk as needed (4 Tbsp seems to be perfect for me)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, adding small amounts of milk until the dough begins to stick together. Press mix into well greased large baking pan (jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with lip) that has a ½ inch lip on the edge. Bake at 325◦ F for 40-45 minutes or until the edges just start to brown. Cut into desired size bars while still hot but do not remove from pan until completely cool. (Your pizza cutter is your friend here, makes it easy to cut them.)

Chocolate chips, coconut and chopped nuts/dried fruit may be taken out and replaced with other ingredients of your choice. Also, the peanut butter may be omitted and the honey doubled.

Best storage option according to my friend is a tupperware container, and its worked well for me. They haven't lasted longer than 2 days in our house so I can't give a time length beyond that.