Delicious Homemade Granola Bars

I love granola bars, but the ones from the store are usually packed with preservatives and sugar. I recently came across a recipe from Ina Garten for some homemade granola bars and decided to try it out.  This recipe is perfect for a brunch, breakfast, or a healthy snack. Serve them with yogurt, berries, and your favorite hot beverage. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1 cup old fashioned quick oats

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

1/2 cup chopped up almonds

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

3 tbsp. unsalted butter

1/3 cup honey

1/3 cup of maple syrup

1/3 cup golden syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp of salt

1/2 cup dates pitted and chopped

1/2 cup of chopped apricots

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

Mix oats, almonds, and coconut on a cookie sheet and put in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes to toast a little. Make sure to mix them a few times, otherwise the mix will burn.

In the mean time chop some dates.

Dice a bunch of apricots into small pieces.

In a small saucepan put butter, honey, golden syrup, maple syrup, and vanilla. Simmer for a minute.

Put the baked oats in a big bowl.

Add the melted syrup, butter, and chopped fruits to the dry oats. Mix well.

Put the mixture into a 12 x 8 pan and press well with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes in a 300 degree oven.

Cool for a couple of hours and cut into 18 squares. Enjoy with yogurt and your favorite hot beverage. Bon Appetite!