There is no more buying granola bars for us! This is my new favorite recipe, it's perfect for school lunches and after school snacks. I've switched it up a little each time I've made it, leaving some things out and adding others. I buy a “Antioxidant Mix” at Whole Foods and add that when I make this recipe for cereal. I'll be sure to do another post on the “Antioxidant Mix” soon.

Granola Bars

3 1/2 cups rolled oats (if you want bars use steel cut oats so it will stick together better)
1 cup raw sliced almonds
1 cup raw cashew pieces (or walnuts or pecans)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup flaxseed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon grated or ground nutmeg
6 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Also need – parchment paper

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Cover a rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry oats, almonds, cashews, coconut, seeds and spices together in a large mixing bowl.
3. Heat the butter and honey together in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter melts stir in the vanilla.
4. Pour the hot liquids over the dry ingredients and stir together with a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
5. Spread mixture onto prepared pan in one even layer. Bake for 75 minutes.
6. The granola will become crisp as it cools at which point you can break into pieces (if making bars) or break it up into small chunks by pounding it in a zip lock bag (if making cereal). Store in air tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Try this recipe, I know you will like it. Switch it up and share your ideas, I would love to hear what others are putting in their granola.