Easy Granola Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Toast the oats, nuts, wheat germ, almond meal, and flaxseed meal in a 35o oven for 15 minutes.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, melt peanut butter, honey, syrup, and vanilla in a medium heat saucepan, stirring until the peanut butter is melted.
3. 3
   Allow to boil at least one minute, more if you are substituting flavored syrup for honey.
4. 4
   Remove oat mixture from oven, reduce heat in oven to 300, dump oat mixture in large bowl.
5. 5
   Add dried fruit and mix with liquid mixture.
6. 6
   If you are substituting chocolate or other flavored chips for fruit, mix the liquid with the oatmeal mix first, allowing to cool a bit before adding to chips to prevent them from melting.
7. 7
   Spread into buttered/greased 13x9 pan.
8. 8
   Place a piece of foil or waxed paper on top, and then put another 13x9 pan on top.
9. 9
   Press firmly and pack into place.
10. 10
    I typically stand on the pans to crush it as flat as I can.
11. 11
    Bake in 350 oven for 25 minutes.
12. 12
    Allow to cool completely before cutting.
13. 13
    Can store in airtight container for up to a week.