1 1/3cupsdried fruit, choppedapricots, blueberries, cranberries, figs, raisins, etc.
1cupdry roasted peanutschopped
1cup roasted almondschopped
1/2cupmini chocolate chipsoptional
Topping:
1/2cupcorn syrup
1/2cupcreamy peanut butter
1/3cupbrown sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Gather your ingredients so that you have everything on the counter or table.
Prepare the Ingredients
Using a nut chopper, coarsely chop the peanuts and almonds (and any other nuts you desire).
Chop the raisins, cranberries and any other dried fruit into small pieces with Chef's knife and cutting board.
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, wheat flour, shredded coconut, dry milk, wheat germ, brown sugar, sunflower seeds, baking soda and kosher salt.
Add in the prepared dried fruit, and again mix well.
In a glass measuring dish combine the vegetable oil, honey, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Add to the oat mixture and MIX WELL so that all is blended and sticky. I use my hands for this part to incorporate all of the ingredients.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cover the bottom of pan with the prepared coarsely chopped almonds and peanuts. You may also sprinkle in mini chocolate chips, if desired.
Sprinkle granola mixture over nuts and press firmly with a spatula.
Bake 10 minutes in preheated oven. Take out of oven and again press mixture firmly with a spatula. (Granola will be puffy and soft.) Bake another 7-8 minutes until golden brown. Once more, press bars firmly with metal spatula.
Cool 10 minutes and cut into bars with a metal bench scraper.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Topping
To make the peanut butter coating, in a small saucepan combine corn syrup, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Cook over medium-low heat. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a light boil, which may take up to 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and pour over granola bars. Spread to edges, creating a thin coating. Cool completely.
Turn out onto waxed paper. Using a metal bench scraper, cut bars once more through the peanut butter coating.
Store in covered container or in plastic snack bags. Will keep for 1-2 months, if they last that long. Makes 33 bars.
Notes
*Pressing mixture repeatedly with metal spatula will assure a granola bar that will stick together. I even press again after cutting them into bars.