Homemade Granola Bars

I've been wanting to make this recipe for a while and finally used my sister as an excuse to do it. She's about to have my nephew any day (or minute) now and I thought I'd make her some treats (she doesn't know there are more treats coming... ssshhhh!). These granola bars are great because she, John (brother-in-law), or Madison (my beautiful niece) can enjoy them.

Homemade Granola Bars

Adapted from Barefoot Contessa

Ingredients

2 c old fashioned oats

1/2 c toasted wheat germ (toast in a dry skillet over low-med heat for 3-4 min)

1 c sliced almonds

1 c shredded coconut, loosely packed

3 tbsp butter

2/3 c honey

1/4 c brown sugar, lightly packed

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 c raisins (original recipe calls for dates, but really use what you like)

1/2 c chopped dried apricots

1/2 c dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8x12 in baking dish and line with parchment paper (just the bottom, which makes the bars easier to get out).

Toss the oatmeal, coconut, and almonds together on a baking sheet pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the toasted wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temp to 300 degrees.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla, 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 dried fruits and mix.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into squares. Enjoy!