No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars

When you make your own granola bars, you can customize them by adding (or subtracting) ingredients. Don't like raisins, omit them. Love dried apricots? Cut them into very small pieces and mix in. One of our families makes a couple of varieties and stores them in the freezer for a healthier snack for the kids when they come home from school.

Ingredients

• 2½ c. rolled oats
• 1 c. chopped nuts (pepitas/pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are less expensive)
• ¼ c. shredded coconut
• ½ c. raisins
• 6 T. salted butter
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 4 T. honey
• 2 T. molasses

Directions

1. Toast oats, nuts, and coconut in a large skillet over medium-high heat or in a 300 degree oven until fragrant, stirring often. Remove to a large bowl and toss with raisins.
2. Place all other ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir into oat mixture until evenly coated. Let sit just until cool enough to handle.
3. Line a 7×11 inch pan with plastic wrap, wax paper or parchment. Spoon mixture into pan, pressing down to compact. Place in the freezer for 1 hour to firm up.
4. Once firm, remove from pan, peel away wrap and slice into 16 bars. Wrap individually and store covered at room temperature or freeze for up to 3 months.