Crunchy Organic Granola Bars (America's Test Kitchen)
7 cups old fashioned rolled oats 1/2 vegetable oil1 teaspoon salt1 1/2 cups nuts or seeds (we like using almonds, peanuts, or sunflower kernels)3/4 cup honey2/4 cup packed brown sugar1 Tablespoon vanilla extract2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (or even more if you like!)
Adjust oven rack to the middle of the oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees.
Combine oats, oil and salt in a large bowl and mix until the oats are evenly coated. Transfer mixture to the baking pan (I use 13x9 glass pan) and spread into an even layer. Bake and stir every 10 minutes, until it appears pale gold, approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove the oats and lower the oven temperature to 300.
Depending on type of nut or seed you use, you will need to chop to desired consistency you want in your granola bar. Combine the honey and brown sugar in a saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes stirring constantly, to dissolve brown sugar. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon.
Combine the oats, nuts, and honey mixture in a large bowl and stir until the oats are coated with the honey mixture. Spray the baking pan with non-stick spray and then transfer the granola mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread in an even layer. Firmly press the mixture into the pan, making a flat, and even layer. Bake until mixture is golden usually 35-40 minutes.
Cool in the baking pan, on a wire rack, for 10-15 minutes before cutting into bars. Cut the bars all the way through and then allow the granola bars to completely cool. Do not wait longer than 15 minutes before cutting the bars as they harden quickly. Once cut remove from pan and transfer to plate to cool completely.