Granola bars

granola bars, originally uploaded by cabanagirl.

I made these yummy and nutritious granola bars for a quick and mess-less breakfast. Along with my hardboiled egg in the morning. I can finish breakfast with no dishes to wash. These days while the house is for sale the last thing I want to do is mess up the kitchen before I go to work. I started with Ina Garten's Homemade granola bar recipe and went from there. It was kind of a recipe to use up what's in the pantry. Try any dried fruit and nuts that you have.
2 cups old fashion oatmeal
1 cup raw slivered or whole almonds
1/4 cup raw sesame seeds
Mix and place on baking sheet. Place in 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
Meanwhile
In a saucepan melt and bring to a boil:
3 Tbs butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
With the toasted nuts, seeds and oats:
Add:
1/2 cup chopped dried figs
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup toasted flax seeds

cinnamon
Mix all together
In a parchment lined 8 X 12 baking sheet pour the wet granola mix and pat down with the back of a spatula to condense and work into the corners
Reduce temperature of the oven to 300deg
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes
Let cool completely (about 2 hours) and then cut into 12 pieces. Turn over pan or use spatula to lift out.
I wrapped each bar in an envelope of parchment paper and then stored them in a plastic bag.
You can use them for your breakfast or a snack. And the best part..no dishes to clean up.
Enjoy