Chocolate Raisin Granola Bars

2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup special dark chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper buttering the parchment paper as well; set aside.

Toss the oatmeal and almonds together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute. Add the vanilla then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the wheat germ, raisins and chocolate chips; stir well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a spatula press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely then cut into squares.

Print this Story