What’s Cookin’?

Granola Bars
2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ 
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup lightly brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt 
1/2 cup chopped pitted dates 
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Extra butter for baking dish. 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an 8 x 12-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.  Toss the oatmeal, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.  Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture.  Add the dates, apricots and dried cranberries and stir well.  
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.  Wet your fingers and gently press the mixture into the pan.  Bake for 25-30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool 2-3 hours before cutting into squares or bars. Wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap.  Serve at room temperature. 
Makes 12-16 pieces.