I'm seriously obsessed with making these granola bars. I go to Whole Foods once a week and buy whatever dried fruit and nuts I'm feeling in the mood for, then whip up a batch of these. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with these bars, because I adore them so much, I end up munching them all through the day and not eating any of my groceries. Oh well, they are healthy and amazing, and you'll never want to buy granola bars again.
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup slivered blanched almonds or whole almonds, chopped
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
* The nut combination is up to you. Almonds and walnuts are also a personal favorite of mine.
1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed (optional)
* The coconut makes these over-the-top amazing, but I usually leave it out to make them healthier.
1/2 cup wheat germ
5 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, or palm sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chopped dried fruit
* I like to use a combination of figs, prunes, dates, and cranberries.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray an 9 x 9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Toss the oatmeal, nuts, wheat germ, and coconut if using, together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 - 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
Reduce the oven temp to 300 degrees.
Place the honey, sugar, applesauce, vanilla, and salt in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dried fruit, and mix thoroughly until everything is combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Wet your hands a bit and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 3 hours before cutting into squares.
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