Granola Bars


Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/8 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup pistachios
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 3 Tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup wheat germ
  • 1/2 cup of sticky stuff (I did a combo of mostly honey with some maple syrup)
  • 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1.5 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1.5 Tablespoons margarine
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (and/or choco chips)

Optional Suggestions

  • pumpkin seeds
  • flax seeds
  • pecans

Directions


  1. Cut parchment paper to fit a 9 x 9 baking dish (or grease a 9 by 9-inch glass baking dish) and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Pour oats, seeds, raw nuts, and wheat germ onto a baking sheet. Spread evenly and toast in the oven for about 15 minutes (stir occasionally). When it is done, take out of the oven and reduce heat to 300 degrees.
  4. Meanwhile, combine sticky stuff, brown sugar, margarine and vanilla in a pot over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar dissolves.
  5. Combine all ingredients and mix well. If mixture doesn't seem sticky enough, add up to 2 Tablespoons cornsyrup. It won't seem sticky enough, but have faith.
  6. Press into baking dish. Top with chocolate chips, if you want.
  7. Bake for about 25 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely (the fridge is the fastest way). If it doesn't cool completely, it will fall apart when you cut it.