Chewy Granola Bars (Gluten-free/Dairy-full)

I meant to post this just after the Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Chewy Granola Bars that I posted in December, but then the holidays came along and I felt like a proper cookie made more sense.  Anyway, here we are in 2011 and here is another tasty bar to add to the snack mix in  your house.

This is the dairy-full version of the regular player in our house.  I miss dairy everyday of my life.  I love this recipe and hope you enjoy it on behalf of the old me **sigh**.  It is ridiculously easy and fast.  Mia digs this one best.  Mike thinks they are equal to cookies on some days (this is a big compliment if you know him).  They are full of goodness and so darn easy to make. 

Ingredients:

• 2c Rolled oats, gluten-free if needed (I prefer the chewiness of regular, but you can use quick)
• 1-2c mixed dried fruit
• 2c mixed chopped nuts (I like a mix of blanched almonds, pine nuts, pecans, cashews & soy nuts)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2c natural peanut butter (optional, but definately recommended)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper and grease or spray with non-stick spray. 

In large bowl, mix oats, nuts & fruit. Pour sweetened condensed milk in and mix.  If using peanut butter, mix this with the milk first for more uniform action.

Pour the mix into your prepared pan and pat down.  Cook for ~30 minutes, 'til lightly browned around sides and top.  It may still seem a bit gooey.

Dairy Delicious on The L, Dairy-Free on the R