Chewy Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars are a fun, fancy, and customizable treat the whole family will love!

Granola bars are so popular that they pack the isles in every grocery store. They are actually very easy to make homemade. The proper mix of oats, seasoning, sweetness, and dried fruit is all you need. The result is a pleasing texture in ever bite for a deliciously chewy granola bar. Make this recipe your own by adding your favorite ingredients and flavors. Coconut, chocolate chips, almonds, pecans, raisins, currants, cranberries, dried blueberries... the sky's the limit!

Equipment: cutting board; chef’s knife; dry and wet measuring cups; measuring spoons; large and small mixing bowls; wooden spoon or rubber spatula; whisk; parchment paper or foil; 9x13 baking pan

Ingredients: 2 cups quick rolled oats

1 cup packed light brown sugar

¼ cup wheat germ

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

1 cup dried apricots, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup honey 3 tablespoons maple syrup

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.

2. Stir together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, pepitas, apricots, salt, and cinnamon in large bowl, being sure to break up any clumps of sugar or dried fruit. Set aside.

3. In a smaller bowl, mix the honey, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and lift the parchment paper or foil from the pan. Let the granola slab cool for 10 minutes before removing the paper and cutting into bars. Cool completely before eating or wrapping.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.