GRONOLA BARS FOR A NOT SO SWEET ENDING..............

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

 

2 Cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 Cup raw sunflower seeds

1 Cup sliced almonds

1/2 Cup wheat germ

1/2 Cup of honey

1/4 Cup dark brown sugar

1 -ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

11/2 Cup chopped dried fruit, any combination of apricots, cherries or blueberries

1/2 Cup of Dark Chocolate Chips

 

METHOD:

 

Butter a 9 by 9-inch baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto a baking sheet.
Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In the meantime, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, extract and salt in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees F. Immediately add the oat mixture to the liquid mixture, add the dried fruit, and stir to combine. Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down, evenly distributing the mixture in the dish.
Add chocolate chips on the top and press in. Place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

TIPS:
Chocolate chips can be omitted for a healthier dessert.
Instead of Brown Sugar, Agave can be used.
Any type of fruits and nuts can be used and the amount can be adjusted to your preference.
Chocolate can be drizzled at the top of the bars or coated at the bottom.