Recipe(tried): Homemade Granola Bars (Barefoot Contessa)

I have an easy recipe for granola bars. I saw this on Barefoot Contessa a couple of years ago and made them that day and have made them at least a dozen times since. They get rave reviews because they are very sweet and chewy. You could substitute chocolate chips for the fruit. I use different fruits each time.

HOMEMADE GRANOLA BARS (BAREFOOT CONTESSA)

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

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

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Makes 12 to 16 bars
From: TV Food Network, Barefoot Contessa, Episode: Barefoot to Go
Source: Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients by Ina Garten