Homemade Granola Bars

I am so excited to blog about these! Lately, I have really been wanting to make a homemade granola bar. I recently went through my pantry and did a hard core cleaning and organization (I seem to always forget what goodies I have hidden in the back!). I came across a bag of dried cranberries and was thinking "should I keep these?". I seem to go through these phases of wanting to eat them and then not. So instead of throwing the half eaten bag away (I really hate to throw anything away) I decided I would make a granola bar with them.

Then, as fate would have it, I happened to be watching The Food Network, and Barefoot Contessa (I know I just said the other day I didn't watch her much LOL) and she was making homemade granola bars. I knew immediately I was destined to make these bars! Her recipe sounded so good and easy; I couldn't wait to make them.

Come on, don't those look fabulous!?!

I strayed from Ina Garten's recipe, go figure, but I knew I had these cranberries and I also had some honey roasted sliced almonds. The bars turned out amazing...and I seriously couldn't believe how great it made the house smell! Think Yankee Candle good! I actually can not wait to try this recipe out with different flavors! I don't see myself ever buying another "store-bought" granola bar again! Not even True Delights! (those have been my favorite ever since they hit store shelves)

Now get in your kitchen and start baking!

Cranberry Almond Granola Bars

(adapted from Barefoot Contessa)

2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup Almond Accent honey roasted sliced almonds
1 cup shredded coconut
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
about 1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt 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 cranberries and stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Makes about 16 bars.

Tip for packaging:

PS - I love press 'n seal. :o)

I thought it would be a great way to seal up my bars and hopefully make them last awhile.

-Just spread one sheet long enough to fit all the bars with enough space in between to seal them. -Then put another sheet on top that is slightly bigger.

-Gently press'n seal :o) the area in between each bar, binding the two pieces of press'n seal together.

-Carefully cut the area in between each bar where it is sealed.

-Store in a airtight container at room temperature.

Wrapped and ready to go! These would be great for kids lunches (and mine too)!!!