Homemade Granola Bars.

My husband loves granola bars.  I love to spend time cooking and baking in the kitchen.  Homemade Granola Bars - the perfect marriage!  And a homemade treat that is kind of healthy!

Homemade Granola Bars
(Recipe Adapted from Co-Worker)

2 cups oatmeal

3/4 wheat germ

1 cup peanuts (crushed)

3/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup honey

2/3 cup brown sugar

4 teaspoon butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

dash of salt

2 cups craisins

Combine dry ingredients (oatmeal, wheat germ, peanuts & sunflower seeds).  Spread out on a large baking sheet and roast in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes.  Once roasted, transfer to a large mixing bowl.  Combine the remaining ingredients in a saucepan and bring to light boil.   Pour syrup over the dry ingredients until combined.  Fold in craisins.  Transfer the mixture to a parchment covered 9x13 baking dish and press down.  Place in the refrigerator for several hours to allow the bars to firm up.  Remove, cut into desired size bars, and pack into individual bags for an easy treat.  Bars will keep well in the refrigerator.

Ever since I made these I have been dreaming of other variations.  

Here's what I've come up with:

Dried Apple & Mini Cinnamon Chips instead of the Craisins

Chocolate Chips instead of the Craisins

Banana Chips & Peanutbutter Chips

Dried Blueberries

And the list goes on and on!!  Try them!  You might even stop buying store-bought granola bars!!