Homemade Granola Bars

Well, I think we have a new house favorite. Ironically enough, I decided to make granola bars after spending close to $300 at BJ's on all kinds of odds and ends -- including a box containing about 75 granola bars. I think we are now up to our ears in granola, but they are good and they are good for you so bring it on, granola bars!

And I promise, they are very easy to make and don't require a lot of exotic ingredients or time. You can also add or take out pretty much any ingredient you'd like. For instance, this recipe called for wheat germ. I didn't have any, so I added in flax seed instead. I got no complaints! Try them today!

Homemade Granola Bars
adapted from Ina Garten

2 cups oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup toasted flax seed
3 T. unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 t. pure vanilla extract
1/4 t. kosher salt
3/4 cup raisins

Preheat the oven to 350.
Toss together the oats, almonds, and flax seed on a large baking sheet.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Reduce oven temp to 300.
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Cook and stir for a minute, then pour into oat mixture.
Add the raisins and stir well.
Pour the mixture into an 8x12 baking dish lined with parchment paper.
With slightly wet fingers, press mixture down evenly into pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until light golden brown.
Cool for 2-3 hours before cutting into squares.
Serve at room temperature.

Enjoy!