I'm thrilled about my new Chewy Granola Bars!!

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You must know the feeling.  You've been looking for a recipe, a particular recipe, for a long time--like a word that is on the tip of your tongue.  You know the perfect {insert food item} is out there waiting for you, you just have to get on your super-sleuth hat and find it!  Well, that's the story of my newly discovered Homemade Chewy Granola Bars.  My, my are they delish.  And Pinterest, I have to thank you personally for this discovery.  I guess you aren't a waste of time after all!  :)  Okay, so with no further delay....introducing....

Homemade Chewy Granola Bars!

Makes 16 thin bars

Adapted from Joyful Abode

Ingredients:

1 cup whole almonds

1 cup pecan halves (could use walnuts)

1 cup old fashioned oats

1 cup dried cherries {any dried fruit will do, mix it up!}, chopped if large

2 Tablespoons sesame seeds {I used flax seed, any small seed is fine}

1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons honey

3 Tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

dash of cinnamon

Directions:

1. Add 1/2 cup each of almonds, pecans, and old fashioned oats into a food processor. Process until fine (not too long or it will start to turn into nut butter!) then pour into a large bowl. Roughly chop the remaining pecans and almonds, then add the bowl. Add remaining old fashioned oats, cherries, and sesame seeds, then mix well and set aside.

2. Combine honey, coconut oil, salt, vanilla & almond extracts, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture melts, then foams, then cook for 15 seconds longer. Pour over nut mixture and mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.

3. Line a half sheet pan or 8×8 pan with enough saran wrap or parchment paper to let it hang far over the sides, then pour in granola. Press very, very firmly with your hands or something with a flat bottom (may need to spray it with non-stick spray.) Wrap the overhanging saran wrap or parchment paper up over the sides and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.

4. Using a sharp knife, cut chilled granola into bars. Wrap individually in saran wrap and store in the fridge or freezer.

{credit where credit is due:  I found this recipe on Iowa Girl Eats, an awesome food blog.}

Paul and I love these, and they taste like a dessert!  You can't beat a healthy granola bar that is super-yummy to boot....

Enjoy, and have a {sweet} weekend!  (or is that s-weet?} :)

Ruth