Recipe - Granola Bars

Every week I make a batch of Granola Bars for Chuck. They're delicious and don't have all the chemicals and preservatives that most store bought ones have. So here's my recipe for you to enjoy and tweak to your taste.

Ingredients
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups chopped walnuts (or nuts of your choice)
1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins or dried fruit of your choice)
2 cups peanut butter chips (or chocolate chips, or a mixture of the two)
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/3 cups honey
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prep a casserole or baking dish (8 x 12 ish) with greased parchment paper. 

Spread oats and chopped walnuts on a cookie sheet and toast for 10 - 15 minutes, stirring once. Once toasted, pour into a large bowl and combine with dried cranberries and peanut butter chips. Based on your preference, you can combine them all the chips or leave half out to sprinkle on top before baking.

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, vanilla, and salt. Melt and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil for one full minute. Pour over the oat mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. 

Pour mixture into your baking dish and press into an even layer. Make sure you get it nicely pressed into the corners!

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes. Now, here's the kicker. WAIT until they are COMPLETELY cool before cutting into bars. Like 2 -3 hours. I know, it's rough, but trust me. 

Enjoy!