Recipe for Homemade Granola Bar Treats

I am busying myself today with making all sorts of special goody bags for the wee goblins that will soon be visiting.  Unlike in big cities, the only children that come by are the ones we know...family, friends, and the few that live across the corn fields *smirk*.

So, because we all know each other, each year I make a nice variety of yummy treats and can even personalize the bags with each childs name! How wonderful is that?  Living in a rural area has a few drawbacks...but for the most part...it truly is wonderful. 

I wanted to share a absolutely devine, stupendously delicious granola bar recipe that I have made for years....and not only to put in Hallowe'en goody bags either! *grin*.  Oh sure I suppose I could go out and buy granola bars at the grocery...but I might as well buy a dozen candy bars and be done with it....since there is absolutely no difference in chomping down on a store bought granola bar and candy bar. Both loaded with sugar/high fructose and not telling what other mysterious items, not to mention they are about as tasty as cardboard!

This recipe can be made in a wide variety of ways simply by adding or changing the nuts or fruits. Mix and match...have fun with it...but I promise you...you will NEVAH go back to eating store bought granola bars! 

Oh, I also want to mention, you can also layer all the dried ingredients in this recipe to use as a Gift in A Jar!!! Write the direction on a nice recipe card, punch a hole in the corner and tie it with raffia or piece of homespun around a vintage mason jar!! Make a few to keep on hand for gift giving when the need arises!!

This recipe is super quick and easy to make!!

Gourmet Granola Bar Recipe 

This recipe makes approximately a dozen bars depending on what size you cut them

Ingredients:

2 cups old fashion oatmeal

1 cup nuts- could be almonds, peanuts, macadamia *yum*, walnuts, pecans...anything you enjoy

1 cup shredded coconut- if you don't like coconut, no problem, leave it out and replace with another ingredient with the same consistancy...

1/2 cup wheat germ

3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted)

2/3 cup honey

1/4 cup lightly packed, light brown sugar

1 1/2 Teaspoon real vanilla extract - or use another flavor if you wish

1/4 Teaspoon kosher salt -yessss regular salt will work also- I prefer using Sea Salt since it is much healthier

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates - you don't like dates, use raisins or another other dried fruit

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots - again if you don't like, use another dried fruit

1/2 cup dried cranberries - ditto above

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Butter an 8 x 12 inch baking dish and line it with wax paper and making sure you have enough wax paper to be able to fold over pan once completed..

Toss the oatmeal, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and toast about 10 minutes or so.  Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ

Lower heat in oven 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. This is the "glue" to bind everything together

Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Then take the overlapping wax paper and cover the top, pressing firmly with your hands to make sure your bars won't fall apart when finished. Once you have done that, you can tear off the excess wax paper.

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

Cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into squares.  Wrap individually and enjoy!