Granola Bars

DISCLAIMER:  This post is 90% recycled material (see Granola).  However, I feel that putting the granola into bar form provides a significant enough transformation in texture and function that it warrants its own post.  Similar to the Granola post, you are free to experiment with the mix-ins.  I have updated the list of mix-ins to show a couple new combos I use frequently when making granola in bar form.

Ingredients

• Old fashioned oats
• Honey

Mix-In Combination Suggestions

• Chopped dates, blueberry-infused Craisins, slivered almonds
• Brown sugar, raisins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. In a glass baking dish of whichever size you prefer, pour out an even layer of oats 1/4" thick.
3. Transfer the oats to a large mixing bowl.
4. Toss in your mix-ins.
5. Add a splash of water and mix.
6. Add enough honey (in multiple parts) so that the granola begins to stick together but is not saturated and runny.
7. Line the baking dish with parchment paper ensuring there is enough to run up the sides as well.
8. Dump the granola mixture into the pan and spread with a fork or spatula.
9. Compress the granola with a rubber-edged scraper (like this one) so that it has an even thickness throughout the entire dish.
10. Bake for 15 minutes or so.  The granola may begin to brown slightly (but only slightly).  Be careful not to let it get too brown as this will cause your bars to harden beyond edibility once they have cooled.
11. Pull the granola from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars immediately.
12. Best served warm, but also tasty once cooled.