Granola Bars

I love homemade granola bars. I like knowing exactly what I'm eating instead of something prepackaged, plus these are so much tastier than the ones you get at the grocery store. You could use whatever dried fruit you like in these, and they go great with your morning coffee!

The Barefoot Contessa's Granola Bars

makes 12 to 16 bars

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal (I like large flaked)

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup honey

1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

11/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x12 inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.

-Toss oatmeal, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.

-Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

-Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.

-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 the toasted oatmeal mixture.

-Add dates, apricots and cranberries and stir well.

-Pour mixture into prepared pan and press evenly.

-Bake for 25-30 minutes, until light golden brown.

-Cool for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares.