These Granola Bars Have ABSOLUTELY Nothing to Do with Store-Bought Ones!

It's so easy to make... Say goodbye to preservatives!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, etc.)
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, cranberries and/or raisins
• 1 cup dates, figs and/or prunes, pitted and diced
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, mango and/or papaya, diced
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving the edges overhanging.
• In a large bowl, mix the chopped nuts with dried fruits and chocolate chips.
• Add flour, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar, then stir. Make sure to separate any clumps of fruit that may form.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg and vanilla until the mixture is thick (this will take several minutes).
• Pour the egg mixture into the fruit and nuts mixture and mix until all pieces are coated.
• Pour evenly into the prepared dish, pressing down to compact the dough.
• Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are golden and beginning to pull away from the sides.
• Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
• Lift the bars from the dish using the edges of the foil.
• Cut the bars with a sharp knife.

Store for about 10 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.