Granola Bars

By fsilver4

At least these granola bars taste like something rather than store bought card board.

Ingredients

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup dates
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350*. Butter an 8 x 12 baking dish and line with parchement 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 temp to 300*

Place the butter, honey, borwn sugar, vanilla in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for aminute, 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. Coll for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares.