Homemade Granola Bars

I got this recipe from www.Foodnetwork.com.  I figured it was time to feed the kids something sort of healthy after all of the holiday sweets!  This recipe looked good.  It is currently in the oven, so when it comes out and cools, I will tell you how we all like it!  I didn't have any wheat germ, so that was omitted from the recipe but added to my grocery list.  I remember as a kid my parents always throwing wheat germ into various recipes and always thought it was a weird name for something edible!

**update, ok, the are out of the oven, have rested the appropriate time, and the "kid" test has been preformed:  They are accepted!  I really like them too.  I found that they are quite filling as well, which makes them a perfect snack while the kids are hungry waiting for dinner!

Homemade Granola Bars

2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved

Prep Time:

25 min

Inactive Prep Time:

3 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

40 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

12 to 16 bars

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment 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 temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the 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 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. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature
.