Design Your Own Granola Bars

Homemade granola bars, where have you been all my life? I found a variation of this recipe on the back of a bag of rolled oats a few years ago. It is quick. It is easy. It is oh-so yummy! So much so that I may never purchase granola bars again.

~ 1/2 cup butter or margarine (I am also curious if coconut oil would also work well. I plan to experiment and let you know unless someone beats me to it.)
~ 1/2 cup honey
~ 1 cup brown sugar
~ 2 1/2 cups large flake oats
~ 2 cups crisp rice cereal
~ 1 cup unsweetened coconut
~ 1 cup nuts (slivered almonds, peanuts, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts)
~ 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, craisins, dried cherries, chopped dried apricots, etc.)
~ 1 cup seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, flax, etc.)

Combine butter, honey and brown sugar in a large pot. Over medium heat stir to combine and melt ingredients.

Have your kids help you measure out the dry ingredients into a large bowl.

When the mixture in pot begins to bubble, add dry ingredients and stir well. Cook approximately 7 minutes until mix is golden brown, stirring constantly. Lower heat if necessary to avoid over-browning.

Press down firmly into a 9x13 pan that is lightly greased or lined with wax paper. It should be about a half-inch thick. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap.

This recipe makes about 24 granola bars that will last for several days. (Not sure just how long because this healthy snack disappears quickly in our home!)

How about you?  Do you make your own granola bars? Share your favourite variations below.