Recipe: Homemade Granola Bars

I am a huge fan of granola bars. But, having a food allergy to HFCS, I cannot always enjoy the delicious granola bars out there. So, I have learned to make my own. And, now I am going to show you guys how I make mine. They are super easy to make and take maybe 20 minutes total to prep!

You are going to need the following ingredients for your homemade granola bars!

• 2 Cups of Rolled Oats
• 1 Cup of Coconut Flakes
• 3 Tbsp Butter
• 1/4 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2/3 Cup honey
• 2-3 Cups of Fruit/Nuts (any variety you like will do - i used cashews, almonds, cranberry)
• 1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips (optional depending on fruit/nut mix- i didn't use any)

Step 1 is to Preheat the oven to 350.....add the oats and coconut to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Toast the oats mixture for 10-15 mins or until lightly golden brown. (as ovens vary, you wil want to watch and make sure your coconut does not burn)

Step 2 - add your fruit/nut mix to the food processor. Again, make sure this is dried fruit. Liquid fruits (like canned cherries) will be harder to manage later on so stick with the dried kind!

Step 3- chop your fruit/nut mix into a well minced mix. if you purchased chopped fruit/nuts, you can skip steps 2-3. :)

Step 4 - mix your liquids into a saucepan (honey, butter, and vanilla....then add brown sugar) - medium heat- until dissolved into sugary sauce. Make sure you are constantly stirring to ensure it does not burn on the bottom of the pan!

Step 5 & 6 - removed toasted oats mix into large bowl. Set aside. (you can turn the oven off -you will not need it anymore). Add in fruit/nuts mixture to bowl.

Step 7 - add sauce mix from pan into oats and nuts mixture. Stir well to ensure all of mixture is evenly coated.

Step 8 - Add coated mixture to pan and lightly press down to create mold. This will let you create the bars later much more uniform. Refridgerate for 2 hours or until firm.

Next, just cut the bars with a knife and set aside for later. You can wrap them in saran wrap or divide up and eat then. They store easy and keep just as long as a regular granola bar.