Granola Bars

I found this on recipezaar.com. I'd been wanting to make my own granola bars for a while now, since my husband always needs different things to make his lunch interesting. I love the fact that I know what's in these and they have mostly healthy ingredients. They're a hit with everyone that's tried them so far! I think I'm going to have fun with this recipe, experimenting with different ingredients in the future.


GRANOLA BARS
4 cups oats (old fashioned) I used quick.
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup flax seed meal
1/2 cup oat bran
1/2 cup chopped dates or mixed dried fruit (or combo of both
1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, whatever you prefer)
1/4 cup margarine
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 T flour
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/2 t ground cinnamon

1. In a large mixing bowl combine oats, sunflower kernels, coconut, flax seed meal, oat bran, dates, fruit and nuts.
2. In a small sauce pan, melt margarine (or butter) over med-low heat.
3. Add corn syrup, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey; stir to combine.
4. Increase heat to med and stir occcasionaly.
5. Meanwhile, spray a 13x9 baking pan with non-stick spray.
6. Measure out a sheet of foil large enough to cover pan.
7. Spray foil with non-stick spray and set aside.
8. Cook corn syrup mixture until it comes to a full boil; let boil for one minute.
9. Remove from heat and pour over oat mixture.
10. Stir to combine (mixture will be very stiff).
11. Transfer mixture into prepared pan.
12. Cover with foil and PRESS FIRMLY.
13. You want the mixture to be as compact as possible.
14. I've even used a small cutting board to help press the mixture firmly and evenly (don't be afraid to stand on it!)
15. When mixture is as firm and even as you would like it, remove foil and let mixture cool.
16. Cut into bars.
17. Note:don't be afraid to add, remove and/or sub ingredients, such as chocolate chips, wheat germ, raisens, anything goes.

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