Snack Staple

I made this yummy granola bar recipe a couple of weeks ago and would swear by it. I love granola bars and such but refuse to buy them from the store because who wants to buy high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils covered in a waxy coat called chocolate. No thanks. So even though these fruity granola bars have a lot going into them, it is worth it because you will make them over and over again. LOTS of ingredients=LOTS of goodness, in my book (and usually lots of time too, but not these!!). They are not too sugary because it is mostly honey. I also liked to crumble them and use them as granola in yogurt or other cereal. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. As a side note, I also made them with chocolate chips and no fruit, and they just weren't as good.

Homemade Granola Bars
2 c old fashioned oatmeal1 c sliced almonds
1 c shreddded coconut, loosely packed
1/3 c toasted wheat germ
3 Tb unsalted butter
2/3 c honey
1/4 c light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 t pure vanilla extract
1/4 t salt
1/2 c chopped pitted dates
1/2 c chopped dried apricots
1/2 c dried cranberries
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9X13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.2. 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. 3. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees.4. Place honey, butter, 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 cranberrrries and stir well.5. Pour the mixture into the prepaed 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 2-3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe by Barefoot Contessa