Easy Granola Bars

Here is a recipe that I made when I was trying to cut back: 

on meals.

Though this is small, it has plenty of nutrients and protein. I make these weekly, as my family likes to snack on them instead of an alternative.  

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped if desired 

1/2 cup wheat germ or flax seeds

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup coconut oil 

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon if desired

1/2 cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

Optional

1/4 cup plus mini chocolate chips

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Toast Oats and Nuts

Add oats, wheat germ, almonds, and cinnamon evenly to a small baking sheet then bake for 15 minutes, stirring once during the time until lightly toasted. 

Prepare Granola Bar Mixture

Combine coconut oil, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for one minute, and stir until coconut oil melts and the sugar completely dissolves. Do this two times for soft bars or three for hard bars. 

Pour toasted oats and almonds with the mixture in the bowl and then mix well. Let cool slightly, then add cranberries  

Option: Top with a 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips. Stir to combine. 

Transfer oat mixture to a prepared casserole pan, then use the used piece of parchment or 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 into bars.

Cover and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Remove the square of granola mixture from the pan, and cut it into 12 or more bars.

Store bars in a ziplock or airtight container