Recipe: Sunflower and Oat Granola Bars

SUNFLOWER AND OAT GRANOLA BARS

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup sunflower seeds/kernels (raw or roasted)
1/2 cup coconut
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup sunflower margarine or butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
additional sunflower kernels and coconut (optional, for topping)

In medium bowl, stir together oats, sunflower kernels, coconut, wheat germ, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.

In saucepan or microwave, melt margarine. Stir brown sugar and honey into melted margarine; bring to a boil. Remove from heat.

Pour margarine mixture over oats mixture; stir until well coated.

Press granola bar mixture into greased 8x8x2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with additional sunflower kernels and coconut, if desired.

Bake in 350 degree F oven 35-45 minutes or until slightly browned around the edges. Remove from oven.

While bars are still warm, press surface gently with back of spoon to flatten and score into bars with knife. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Makes 12 bars
Source: Easy Home Cooking magazine, June/July 2001