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Homemade Granola Bars

Inspired by Ina Garten
These granola bars are wonderful. They will make everyone from the kids to the grandparents happy happy!

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups oatmeal
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup milled flax seed
  • 1 cup mixed nuts
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit
  • 3 Tbl. butter
  • 2/3 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In large bowl combine oats, almonds, and coconut.
  • Pour onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 12 - 14 minutes until golden brown. Stir midway through cooking.
  • Once removed reduce oven temp. to 300 degrees.
  • In large bowl combine flax seed, nuts, and dried fruit. Then add toasted oat mixture.
  • Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray, then line with parchment paper.
  • In small sauce pan combine butter, honey, vanilla, and salt over medium heat. Bring to boil and whisk for one minute. Keep an eye on it, it wants to boil over.
  • Pour honey mixture over oats and nuts. Stir until well blended and everything is evenly coated.
  • Press mixture into prepared pan. Wet finger tips to keep from sticking. Be sure to pack firmly. Careful mixture will be hot.
  • Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes until golden brown.
  • Lift parchment paper out of baking dish and cool for 2 - 3 hours.
  • Once completely cooled, slice across and then down the center making bars.

Notes

Individually wrap and make multiple happy people. Once you try this basic recipe, you'll see how easy it is to start mixing up the ingredients. Exchange honey with maple syrup. Replace dried fruit with hunks of white chocolate and pair with macadamia nuts. Toss in a couple tablespoons of wheat germ or chia seeds and give the nutrient levels a big boost.