Granola Bars

My sister-in-law Emily sent me this delicious recipe for granola bars. She thought Max might like them. In fact, we all love them! I think I baked them a little bit too long, so they were a bit too chewy. Other than that they were great. Max loves them as a snack. And I love them because when I am feeling lazy they make a great breakfast.

Granola Bars

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

1 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup wheat germ (I used flax meal)

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 ounce unsalted butter (I used 1 ounce of flax oil)

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

6 1/2 ounces dried fruit (I used golden raisins and craisins)

Spray your pan before you bake the bars. Preheat oven to 350. Spread oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto pan. Place in oven for 15 min to toast, stir occasionally.

In the meantime, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt in medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until brown sugar dissolves completely.

Once oat mixture is done, remove from oven and reduce heat to 300. Add oat mixture to liquid mixture, add dried fruit, and stir to combine. Turn mixture into a 9X9 (9X13 halt-sheet pans works also) sprayed with cooking spray, evenly distributing. Place in oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool COMPLETELY!! (otherwise it falls apart) Cut up and enjoy! (lasts about 2 wks)

Thanks Emily!

Bon Appetit!

Jen