Homemade Granola Bars

I will never buy granola bars again now that I have discovered how very tasty and easy they are to make at home.  I like to put a morning snack in my purse for those times when I am about to go sit in a two hour meeting at work and my stomach is grumbling for lunch. There is nothing more embarrassing than stomach growls in a quiet meeting. OK, I guess there could be some things more embarrassing!

I found this recipe while browsing through one of my cookbooks called A Taste of Oregon which was gift, I believe from my best friend in the early '80s.  It was published by the Junior League of Eugene. It is chock full of wonderful recipes, many using local ingredients easily found in Oregon such as seafood and fresh vegetables.

This is one of those very adaptable recipes where the extra additions can be anything that suits you.  I chose to add chopped pecans, shredded coconut and dried cranberries.  It was a wonderful combination of ingredients.  The other variation I made was to use treacle, an English golden syrup, instead of the honey.  It adds a light molasses taste which is just delicious. 

This will be a recipe I will make again and again.

Granola Bars

3/4 cups butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
4 1/2 cups granola cereal
2/3 cups chopped nuts, coconut, dried fruit, seeds

In a 3 quart pan melt butter, then add brown sugar, honey, vanilla and salt;  stir until blended.  Stir in granola and extra goodies of your choice.  Pour into a well greased 10 x 15 inch pan.  With your hands, press in firmly to form an even layer.  Bake uncovered in a 400 degree oven until browned and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.  Watch carefully because these get dark quickly.  Cool slightly and cut into bars while still warm.