How to Make Organic Granola Bars

Granola bars are a healthy snack that can be easily made at home with your favorite cereals and treats. Using organic ingredients means you can enjoy a wholesome and additive-free snack as well. Here's how to put together a batch of homemade organic granola bars.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3 cups organic rolled oats
• 1 1/4 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 5 tablespoons organic butter
• 1 cup dried organic raisins
• 1/2 cup dried organic cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup organic honey
• 1/4 organic raw brown sugar
• One large baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• 9 x 13 inch baking pan

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Mix together the rolled oats, coconut, sesame seeds, wheat germ, almonds and cashews in a small mixing bowl. Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 minutes until lightly toasted.

3. Melt the butter in the saucepan and mix in the brown sugar and organic honey. Leave the mixture to simmer and remove the toasted ingredients from the oven.

4. Add the dried raisins, cranberries, and apricots to the toasted mixture in a small bowl.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside to cool briefly. Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and stir vigorously.

6. Pour the liquid mixture onto the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is coated. Make sure all the fruit and nuts are completely covered with the sweet syrup.

7. Transfer the warm granola mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan and bake again for 20 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Remove the pan from the oven and let cool 5-10 minutes before cutting into bars.

Tips & Warnings

• You can dip these bars in melted carob for a decadent but healthy treat!
• The bars can be stored in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
• Add carob or dark chocolate chips before baking the second time for more sweetness.
• Use a smaller pan for thicker bars.
• It's easy to overbake the bars in the second phase of baking; just make sure they are only lightly toasted.
• If the bars are overcooked, they will become tough and chewy; it's best to undercook them and let them cool until they harden naturally.
• Don't wait longer than 5-10 minutes to cut the bars since they will set very quickly.

[Healthygirl78]

on 12/19/2007 These turned out well, and even my finicky neighbor liked them-- great recipe