My version of chewy granola bars

Since making granola bars for our Whistler trip back in May, I have been making regular batches about once a week or two. I was never a fan of granola until now really. You know what they say, homemade is always better :)

I have made them many times and have tweaked the recipe to my liking. It's based off this thick and chewy granola recipe, which one of my tweeples recommended. Unfortunately, I can't remember who that was that gave me the tip:( The granola bars are great for snacks when hiking or just to take on road trips. The nice thing about them is that you can put whether you like in them, as long as you keep the wet and dry ingredients in proportion to the recipe. We like to use organic ingredients where possible and we don't like anything too sweet. We make granola so much now that each batch ends up being very inexpensive, even though we're making high quality granola each time. And did I mention how great these healthy bars are? Addicting great! :)

Here is my version of the thick and chewy granola bars.

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/3 brown sugar
1/3 cup oats, grounded in a blender (or use oat flour)
1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 1/2 cups dried fruits, nuts, seeds etc.
1/3 cup almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 1/2 tbsp agave syrup (or honey)
1 tbsp water

For dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, I use 1 cup mix of dried cranberries and currants, 1/2 cup of sesame seeds, and 1 cup of pumpkin seeds/sunflower seeds/flax seeds/roasted nuts. Make sure you buy the unsalted or natural seeds. Keep in mind that if you add more dry fruit to the recipe, your overall granola will be sweeter unless you reduce the sugar further.

Melt the butter in a bowl, add all the wet ingredients to it. Mix. Measure out all the dry ingredients and add it to the wet. Stir to mix. In a brownie pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil pour the mixture and level it out. Bake at 350F for 35 mins or until the sides are brown but not burnt. If you want to cut them into bars, here is a tip that will help. Once removed from the oven, use a spoon and press down on the granola some more and level it out. This way it is nice and compact. Let it cool completely before you cut them into bars. Bon appetit!