Yummy chewy and soft granola bars

I wanted something tasty for the whole family, something that wouldn't break the bank! I think this recipe is so versatile! You can literally come up with all kinds of combinations!

Husband & Kid Tested and Approved!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 c of old fashioned oats
1/2 c fine or coarsely chopped nut - your choice (I used pecans this time, could use peanuts, walnuts, almonds or no nuts - I like mine finely chopped)
1/3 c honey (liquid)
1/4 c unsalted butter, cut up
1/4 c light brown sugar (packed tightly)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (I might try maple next time)
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 c fine or coarsely chopped dried fruit (I like mine finely chopped)
1/4 c chocolate chips chopped up (you can use mini - I prefer bits to minis)

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line the pan, bottom and sides of an 8" square pan with parchment paper (I use parchment rather than aluminum foil and spray - use what you have on hand).
2. Toast oats and nuts (if you used any) for 5 minutes in the oven, stir then toast for another 5 minutes.
3. Put oats and nuts in large bowl and set aside.
4. Combine butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract and the salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until butter melts and the sugar completely dissolves.
5. Pour butter mixture in to bowl with toasted oats and nuts (if you used any). Mix well. 
6. Let cool about 5 minutes then add fruits of choice and a 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips. Stir to combine. (The chocolate chips will most likely melt a little. They act as glue and help to hold the bars together).
7. Transfer oat, nut, fruit mixture to lined pan then use a rubber spatula or damp finger tips to firmly press the mixture into the pan. Press hard for about 1 minute.
8. Optional - Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over pressed granola mixture then use a rubber spatula to gently press them into the top. 
9. Cover then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
10. Remove granola mixture and parchment paper from pan. Cut into 12 bars. Serve and enjoy!

**Bars can be stored for up to one week in an airtight container. For firmer bars, store in fridge otherwise room temp counter will be just fine.**

Until later...