Chewy Granola Bars

I haven't eaten enough out of my pantry/freezer to make room for my ice cream maker, however, I did find the time this week to make a new recipe for chewy granola bars from a client of mine. Let me tell you these are good! I think they taste like "Quaker Oats" without all the yucky stuff. Here is the original recipe and here is my adapted version....of course with what I had in my pantry.

Chewy Granola Bars

Yields 12-16 bars

2 cups oats

3/4 cup wheat germ

3/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup peanuts, crushed (optional)

1/3 cup flax seed

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

4 Tbsp butter

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

8 oz. dried fruit

Preheat the oven to 400°. Line a 9x13 cake pan with wax paper and spray with nonstick spray. Mix together peanuts, oats, flax seed, wheat germ, and sunflower seeds in a cookie sheet with sides. Toast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

In a medium sauce pan mix together brown sugar, honey, butter, vanilla, and salt and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.

Mix together toasted grain mixture, syrup and dried fruit in a mixing bowl. Pour mixture in prepared glass dish. Spread out the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula. With wax paper press granola mixture into pan, ensuring even thickness. Let cool completely. Carefully turn granola onto cutting board and peel off wax paper. Cut granola bars into preferred size and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container on counter for a week or in fridge for 2 weeks.

Notes: Peanuts are optional, either omit or add extra seeds or fruit.

I think my next batch might include some toasted coconut. Enjoy!