Granola Bars

2 1/4 c quick cooking oats
1 1/2 c crispy rice cereal
6 T butter
1/3 c honey
3/4 c light brown sugar, packed
1 t vanilla extract
1/2 c chocolate chip

Line a pan with parchment paper.  In a large mixing bowl stir together oats and cereal.  Add butter, brown sugar and honey to a large microwave safe bowl and heat mixture for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir mixture until butter has melted. Return to microwave and heat for 1 minute.  Stir in vanilla. Pour over oats mixture and stir gently until coated evenly. Gently stir in chocolate chips.

Pour mixture into prepared pan. Lightly grease your hands with cooking spray and press the mixture evenly into the pan.

Lay a piece of parchment or wax paper over the top of the bars and press extra firmly all around the pan to flatten the bars. This is the most important step to insure they don't crumble when you cut them.  Refrigerate for about 1-2 hours before pulling up on the parchment paper to remove them from the pan and cut them. 

Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for firmer bars or at room temperature for softer bars). 
Bars are best enjoyed within 7 days.