Homemade Granola Bars

Along with the picture, here is a short video if you would like to see them being made by the Barefoot Contessa  http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/homemade-granola-bars-recipe/82265.html

from the Barefoot Contessa

Yields 16 bars

WW Points - 6

Although this is more high and points than I thought, I decided to put these on here anyways.  If you cut them in to 16 bars, each bar would be 6 WW points.  These are very delicious and would be a great pick me up if you need a little energy.  Just watch the points if you still need to eat meals for the day! 

Ingredients

2 c old-fashioned oatmeal

1 c sliced almonds

1 c shredded coconut, loosely packed

1/2 c toasted wheat germ

3 Tbsp unsalted butter

2/3 c honey

1/4 c light brown sugar, lightly packed

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2 c chopped pitted dates

1/2 c chopped dried apricots

1/2 c chopped dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350.  Butter an 8x12 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.  Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.  Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.  Reduce the oven temperature to 300.  Place 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 oatmeal mixture.  Add dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

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