Soft Granola Bars

These homemade granola bars are soft and chewy; plus the ingredients are much better than store-bought bars.

Makes 10 bars

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups old fashioned rolled oats

• ½ cup sliced almonds

• ⅓ cup honey

• ¼  cup butter (or sub for coconut oil)

• ¼  cup packed brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup raisins, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom and sides of a 8-inch square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set aside.

2. Place the oats and almonds on a small ungreased baking sheet, bake for 5 minutes, stir, and then bake for an additional 5 minutes or until they are lightly toasted. Move them to a large mixing bowl.

3. Combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract and the salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until butter melts, the mixture is bubbling and the sugar completely dissolves.

4. Pour the butter mixture into the bowl with toasted oats and almonds. Mix well. Let cool about 5 minutes, and then add the raisins. Stir to combine.

5. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan, and then use a rubber spatula to firmly press the mixture into the pan. Press hard here, this way the bars will stay together once cooled and cut — We press for about one minute to be extra safe.

6. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours or freeze for about 30 minutes. Take the granola out of the pan and remove the foil or parchment paper. Cut into 10 bars.

7. Store granola bars in an airtight container for up to one week. For the softest bars, keep at room temperature. For slightly harder bars, store in the fridge. Bars will keep in the freezer for up to three months when wrapped well.

TIPS: SWITCH IT UP! Use dried cranberries instead of raisins. Try hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts instead of almonds. Add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the mixture for a more indulgent bar.