Barefoot Contessa's

Homemade Granola Bars
Store bought granola bars are loaded with so much junk, I never buy them. Oh, and they can be spendy for the loads of preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. So, i went of a search for a recipe that would satisfy me. This recipe is so good. Some of my kids do not appreciate them as much as I do, but this was only my first trial. Next time I will leave out some of the fruit and add chocolate chips. I doubled the recipe and put half in the freezer. With school right around the corner, I can use all the ideas that I can get. Enjoy!!

Homemade Granola bars
INGREDIENTS FOR 12-16 BARS:
2 C. old Fashioned Oatmeal
1 C. Sliced Almonds
1 C. Shredded Coconut, Loosely Packed
1/2 C. Toasted Wheat Germ
3 Tbs. Butter
2/3 C. Honey
1/4 C. Light Brown Sugar, Lightly Packed
1 1/2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 C. Chopped Dates
1/2 C. Chopped Dried Apples
1/2 C. Dried Cranberries
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees 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 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. 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.