Granola Bars

Chewy yet crunchy, these granola bars are a great way to start your day. I find them to be a yummy alternative to oatmeal. They also make a great mid-day snack to hold you over till dinner. No guilt in these bad boys, either!

Granola Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup flaxseed (optional)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed (optional for less sweet)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter or spray an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ and flaxseed.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well. The dried fruit can be easily swapped or left out for whatever dried fruit fits your fancy.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Also, instead of cutting into bars, feel free to crumble after cooling just enough to handle to enjoy with your favorite yogurt.

Note: Adapted from Ina Garten