Bonnie’s Honey Granola Bars

We don’t meet Bonnie directly in Water Lily. She is Thomas’ wife, and we know that HE doesn’t particularly like Aiden. Bonnie obviously doesn’t feel the same way because she made Aiden one of his favorite snacks, honey granola bars. As a side note, you must remember that Aiden is a vegetarian, so many of these recipes reflect that. Aiden’s family and friends are respectful of his refusal to eat meat.

Bonnie’s Honey Granola Bars are found in Chapter Fourteen of Water Lily:

We made our way up the stream in the opposite direction of the mill. Thomas’ wife, Bonnie, had hidden some honey almond squares at the bottom of the bread sack, knowing they were a favorite of Aiden’s. The squares were like big chewy granola bars, with chunks of dried fruits and nuts, cinnamon and honey. They quickly became my favorite, too.

. . . [I watched] Aiden pop the last bite of bar into his mouth. He slowly licked his lips. It was very distracting.

My family loves these bars, which are loosely based on a recipe I saw on a cooking show years ago. The original recipe calls for half a cup of nuts, but my son is allergic to some of them, as is his nana, so we often make these granola bars with sunflower seeds instead. They are still yummy!

Bonnie’s Honey Granola Bars

2 ½ cup rolled oats
½ cup nuts ( we like almond slivers and cashew pieces) OR sunflower seeds or a combo of both
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup honey
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbl butter
2 tsp vanilla
½ cup chocolate chips (sometimes we use cinnamon chocolate chips)
½ cup dried fruit (we like a combo of raisins and cherries)

Spray 9X9 pan with non-stick cooking spray or use butter
Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit

In saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.

Add the oats, nuts and/or seeds, chocolate chips, and dried fruit to the warm mixture. Mix thoroughly.

Pour mixture into pan and flatten smooth with spatula.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Cool. Cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container.