Crunchy Granola Squares

Some people are real creatures of habit when it comes to breakfast.  They go through phases--omelette phases, cereal phases, and protein bar phases.  Eventually, they'll land squarely in the yogurt and granola phase.  If that's you, you may want to make batch after batch of this simple honey granola.  

When it comes to my breakfasts, I like a little more variety.  That's why these bars are so great.  I can use honey or maple syrup and pretty much any nut or dried fruit I want.  I can even get a little crazy and mix in a couple of nuts and/or fruits.  I can eat a square and a piece of fruit or grab one of these squares, spread a little almond butter on it, and call it good.  I can even crumble one up and join the yogurt and granola camp.

Crunchy Granola Squares

adapted from Rita French, Province Restaurant

Ingredients:

4 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
4 c. chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans
2 c. shredded coconut
1/2 c. butter

1 TBSP vanilla paste or extract
2/3 c. honey or maple syrup

1/2 c. light or dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 c. dried cherries, blueberries, cranberries, or apricots
1 c. wheat germ
1/2 c. ground flax seed

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine oats, nuts, and coconut in a large mixing bowl.  Spread mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven until lightly golden in color.  Let cool and return to large bowl.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.  (Do not use silicone mat as you'll be cutting squares in the pan.)

2.  Meanwhile, in a small sauce pot, melt butter.  Add vanilla, syrup, brown sugar, and salt.  Bring to a gentle boil.

3.  While butter mixture is coming to a boil, add dried dried fruit, wheat germ, and ground flax seed to bowl with oat mixture.  Combine butter mixture with oat mixture.  Stir to combine.

4.  Press mixture into prepared baking sheet and bake approximately 25 minutes.  Let cool five minutes, then cut into squares in the pan. Let cool completely, then remove from pan.  Store in an airtight container up to one week.  Makes approx. 4 dozen.