Pantry Bars

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness are you in for a special treat!! This recipe is absolutely wonderful. It is the best recipe yet I have used for granola bars. I am so glad I decided to try it out. Why did I choose to call them pantry bars? Well, simple. You can use pretty much whatever you have on hand! You need nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate. Go take a peek into your pantry. Right now. Are you hungry yet? Go concoct this recipe immediately. You will not be sorry. I promise!

You can thank one of my favorite blogs for this find: smitten kitchen.

1 2/3 cups quick rolled oats (if gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free oats)
1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar (use more for a sweetness akin to most purchased bars; use less for a mildly sweet bar)
1/3 cup oat flour (or 1/3 cup oats, processed till finely ground in a food processor or blender)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 C dried fruit (I used dried blueberries)
1/3 C sunflower seeds
1/3 C walnuts, chopped
1/3 C mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup peanut butter or another nut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup honey, maple syrup or corn syrup
2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1 tablespoon water

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8″ x 8″ x 2″ pan in one direction with parchment paper, allowing it to go up the opposing sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper and the exposed pan, or coat with a non-stick spray.
2. Stir together all the dry ingredients, including the fruit and nuts. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vanilla, melted butter or oil, liquid sweeteners and water. Toss the wet ingredients with the dry (and peanut butter, if you’re using it) until the mixture is evenly crumbly. Spread in the prepared pan, pressing them in firmly to ensure they are molded to the shape of the pan.
 3. Bake the bars for 30 to 40 minutes, until they’re brown around the edges

Picture snagged from smittenkitchen.com...aren't they pretty?!!