Granola Bars

I will be making these over and over again. Not only are they filling, but they taste fantastic. This may sound weird, but I love how naturally sweet they are. The kids have yet to try them, but I'm hoping they like them as much as I do so that we have another healthy snack option.

I'm looking forward to trying different kinds of dried fruit, but the ones I used were great, especially the dried apricots. They're so juicy.

Homemade Granola Bars
A variation on this recipe by Ina Garten (The Barefoot Contessa)



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

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter 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.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°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.

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.