Homemade Granola Bars

I've always wanted to make homemade granola bars...and I finally did. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to store-bought. There are so many variations, but this is what we came up with for our family. I loved using the coconut oil, but you can also substitute with canola. The result was chewy, healthy, delicious granola bars the entire family loved! Let me know if you try them!

• 4 cups oats
• 1 1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
• 2 T. wheat bran
• 2 T. flax meal
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup sliced almonds

Mix until everything is moistened and fully incorporated. Press into a parchment lined 9x9 square baking pan. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes, or until top is lightly golden brown.

Let cool completely. (as in several hours or overnight!)

When completely cooled, turn pan over onto a cutting board, remove parchment, and carefully cut into 1x2 in" bars. I got 24 bars from this recipe.

If desired, wrap individual bars in wax paper, seal with a sticker or tape, and store in a airtight container.