Crunchy Granola Bars

I am always looking for easy snacks to make that will work not only for Rylan but for Brayden's lunch as well.  Kids love granola bars and it makes Brayden's lunch look more like the other kids at school (he feels left out since his lunch his not filled with prepackaged foods).  I have been experimenting with various ways to make granola bars and finally found a recipe that made a more crunchy bar that held together way better then my past attempts.  It seems to be kid approved because they keep on asking for more!!

Crunchy Granola Bar

2 cups oats
1 cup flour
1 cup shredded coconut ( or nuts or raisins)
1 cup palm shortening
1 tsp sea salt
1 tbsp. coconut nectar
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix the oats, flour and coconut in a bowl.  In a pot melt the shortening and add the syrup, sugar and salt.  Heat it to a simmer.  Turn off the heat and add the vanilla and baking soda.  Gently stir.  Pour it in to the oat mixture and mix well.  Stir in the chocolate chips.  Press into a greased dish and bake for 15 minutes at 350 F and 10 minutes at 325 F.  Let them cool completely before cutting into bars.