Granola Bars

Granola bars remind me camp and camp reminds me of summer and summer reminds me of sunscreen and Slurpees. Wow, I am really digressing. But, for some reason eating a granola bar brings me back to being a little one, playing outside until the street lights come on, and just having fun!

    So, I thought I would mix up a quick batch (little fingers approved) fun and easy granola bars.

I had a ton of dried fruit and added some almonds, toasted oats and coconut.

Bound together with some honey and vanilla. Toasted in the oven until golden!

Here comes the fun, sun and some crumbs! 

Mixed Fruit and Nut Granola Bars

Adapted from Ina Garten

These granola bars are really easy to make and don't have any refined sugar. You can add or subtract any of the fruit or nuts. Next time I am going to add some cinnamon. They also last for about a week in an airtight container. Good for after school snacks.

Ingredients
2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
1 and 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
3/4 cups honey
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 and 1/2 cup dried fruit ( any of choice)

Preheat the oven to 350F Butter an 8 x 12 baking dish and line it with parchment paper

Toss the oatmeal, almonds and coconut together on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer to a large mixing bowel and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 F

Stir in the honey, vanilla and salt. Mix until combined. Add the dried fruit and mix well

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Press ( I mean really press) evenly into the baking pan. Bake fore 25 to 30 minutes, until light and golden brown. Cool in the pan for at least 2 - 3 hours and then cut into squares.

•