Chewey Granola Bar

These are my new favorite granola bars! They are chewey and soft and hold their shape really well. I was a little skeptical if they would ever firm up. When you take them out of the oven they are really soft. I waited 2 hours and they felt like they would be too flimsy and sticky to handle. But I let them completely cool for about 5 hours and they were great! I would suggest that you score or cut the granola bars after they have cooled for 2 hours and then just leave them to finish cooling in the 9x13.

In a large mixing bowl combine:

2 cups oats (I used old-fashioned)
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup wheat germ (found by the syrup)
1/2 cup cranberries
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup dry dates (found by raisins)

In a microwave safe bowl combine:

2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 T butter
1, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Microwave the honey mixture on high for one minute. Mix with a spoon. Then microwave for another minute. Mix again and poor over the dry oat mixture. Mix with two large wooden spoons. The chocolate chips will melt slightly. That's ok.

Dump the mixture into a greased 9x13 pan. Press down and even out the best you can. Bake at 300 for 30 minutes.

Try making this at night and let cool over night. Cut and serve in the morning with juice or milk!