Chewy Chocolate & Walnut Granola Bars

Survival Mode.

That's what I am in for the next 24 hours. Steve is away on a short trip, and I have the two kids all to myself for the first time. A nursing 2-month-old, an attention-needy 3-year-old, and a mom who makes things up as she goes. I predict that I am the first one to cave in and break down in tears.

So here's my plan for the day: keep expectations to a minimum, have a few in-house activities for us to do, take lots of deep breaths, and try my best to care for my children. I think if I let go of the Myth of the Perfect Mother, we'll all be better off.

Also in my Survival Mode tool belt are these chewy chocolate chip & walnut granola bars.

They serve as a quick and easy snack. I keep some on hand in the freezer, and grab a few on the way out the door. They are chewy and dense, full of oats, flax seed, coconut, walnuts and chocolate chips. Substitute other nuts or dried fruit to your preference, and you've got yourself a good save-the-day treat.

Equally perfect for kid meltdowns and parent meltdowns.

Chewy Chocolate Chip & Walnut Granola Bars

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4 cups whole oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup walnuts, chopped

2 tablespoons flax seeds

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, baking soda, vanilla, butter, and honey. Stir in the coconut, chocolate chips, walnuts, and flax seeds. Firmly press mixture into the pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes then cut into bars. Let bars cool completely in pan before removing or serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or in freezer for up to 2 months. Makes 32 bars.