Ina’s Granola Bars

I usually buy Natures Valley granola bars but after watching Ina Garten make a batch on the Food Network I decided to have a go myself. I have made granola before but I never feel that the recipe is perfect. Its always missing something. Well not anymore! Ina’s recipes is PERFECTION! The bars came out crunchy yet still chewy and they have just the right amount of sweetness. P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N I tell you!

You can find Ina’s original recipe here. I made a few changes to my bars because I didnt have a few of the ingredients in the kitchen but they still came out great. You can play around with the fruit and nut combo in this recipe. You can even use maple syrup in place of the honey for maple granola bars. Mmmm I bet that would be good maybe toss a few pecan in there too.

Granola Bars

Adapted from Ina Garten’s granola bar recipe found here.

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal 
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins or sultanas
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 by 12-inch baking dish with foil.

Toss the oatmeal, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through making sure not to burn. Toast until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the raisins and cranberries and mix well.

Pour the mixture into the foil lined pan. Using a silicone spatula or your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 15 – minutes, until light golden brown. BE SURE TO CHECK AFTER 10 MINUTES TO MAKE SURE ITS NOT BURNING.  Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Note: Add a 1/2 teaspoon of good quality orange extract for a yummy orange and cranberry granola bar.