Granola Bars

I know that some Celiacs don't eat oats.  Oats themselves are gluten free, it's the risk of cross contamination that scares some away.  You *can* purchase oats that are processed specifically for those with gluten issues.  I use just regular rolled oats from the store.  I have only once had an issue with Quaker oats, the instant flavored variety.  I have not had problems with plain oats though.  Use whatever oats you feel comfortable with.

I wish I would have taken pics of the cranberry ones I did last week, much prettier.  The ones shown are date, coconut, pecan, and walnut, and I was a tad short on honey so they are a bit crumbly :o/


Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper.
Preheat oven to 400
In a large bowl mix 2 1/2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 cup chopped walnuts
Pour onto cookie sheet and bake in oven for 10-15 minutes, toasting the oats and nuts.
While thats toasting, in a saucepan combine:
4 tbs real butter
2/3 c honey
2/3 c brown sugar
Bring to a hard boil for 5 minutes.

In the bowl you mixed the oats and nuts in, combine 1 cup of dried cranberries (or raisins) with 1 tsp sea salt. The salt is optional, I just like a little salty with my sweet ;o)

Take the oats and nuts out of the oven, and mix with the cranberries. Dump the hot syrupy mixture in the bowl, and mix with a spoon until everything is well coated.
Dump the mix back onto the wax paper lined cookie sheet and press with the back of the spoon into the pan. Cover with another layer of wax paper and very, very firmly press the granola in the pan.  I cannot stress enough how important it is that you really get it pressed down well. You could also set heavy books or whatever you want on it to keep it pressed until it cools. Once it cools, cut into the typical granola bar rectangle shape. Makes about 30.

You can substitute 1/2 cup of the oats for coconut.
Use whatever dried fruit or nuts you want, I just love pecans and walnuts best.
Add healthy things like ground flax seed and sunflower seeds too!
If you want to use chocolate chips, let the mix cool a little, and top with chocolate chips and press them in after you have it spread out in the pan.

Macadamia nuts+coconut+dried pineapple= tropical granola bars
pecans+choc chips+drizzled caramel on top= turtle granola bars
peanuts+choc chips+ drizzled caramel= snickers granola bars
Almonds+choc chips+coconut= Almond Joy granola bars
Dried Apples+caramel drizzle= Caramel Apple
The possibilities are really endless.