Sunday, April 25, 2010

Homemade Granola Bars

I got this recipe from the Food Network's Barefoot Contessa
These are SO EASY to make!!!

Ingredients
2 c old-fashioned oatmeal
1 c sliced almonds
1 c shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/2 c toasted wheat germ
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
2/3 c honey
1/4 c light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 c chopped pitted dates
1/2 c chopped dried apricots
1/2 c chopped dried cranberries

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350. Butter an 8x12 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10-12 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. Place 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 oatmeal mixture. Add dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.
Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Wet fingers and lightly press mixture into the pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.