Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

Homemade Chewy Granola Bars are a breakfast and lunch staple.  In a pinch, they can serve a healthy, on the go snack to adults and kids alike.  Here is my tried-and-true recipe for Homemade Chewy Granola Bars:

For the binder:

3/4 c honey, corn syrup or brown rice syrup
1/2 c organic demarara or plain sugar
1/2 c almond or peanut butter
1 T molasses
1/2 t vanilla or almond extract 

For the mix:

1 c easy or quick oats
1 c rice cereal, or oat o's
1/2 c dried cranberries, raising or apricots (diced small)
1/2 c sunflower or pumpkin seeds
1/2 c chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts or pecans
1/4 c wheat germ

To prep, take a 9 x 9 glass or metal pan and grease generously.  Set aside.

In a small saucepan, add syrup, molasses, sugar, extract and nut butter.  Cook on low-to- medium until it blends together smoothly.  Stir regularly.  Keep warm on stove.  In a large mixing bowl, add the mix ingredients, stirring well. Remove the warmed binding ingredients from the stove and slowly pour into the mixing bowl.  Using a wooden spoon, stir in the binder until well blended.  Pour the mix into the greased pan, and using a greased glass, your hands or a rolling pin, press the mix into the pan firmly until even and smooth.  Let rest on counter top 1 hour to firm before cutting into bars.  Yield will vary due to bar size, but a 9 x 9 usually gets me 10-12 bars.  This recipe can be easily doubled.  To pack, place in reusable container, wrap in wax paper or parchment, or aluminum foil.