Granola Bars ~

I'm a big fan of homemade anything, and granola bars are no exception!  They are the perfect running-out-the-door breakfast necessity as well as an ideal companion to an afternoon espresso or tea.  {and they also make delicious, healthy gifts}  The bonus with granola is that you can 'personalize' the mix to satisfy your taste buds...

Homemade Granola Bars

{adapted from Ina Garten's Back to Basics}

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an 8x12-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper. Toss the oats, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes (stirring occasionally) until lightly browned.  Transfer to a large bowl and stir in wheat germ. Reduce oven heat to 300 degrees. Place butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the oat mixture.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour mixture in prepared pan, wet fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.  Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into squares. 

[Reverie Daydream Images]