Homemade Fruit & Nut Granola Bars

Better than store-bought, these granola bars include healthy almonds, whole grain, natural sweeteners and a touch of fruit.

3 Tbsp. almond, peanut or soy butter
2 Tbsp. honey
4 Tbsp. agave nectar
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups puffed wheat, kamut or rice cereal
1/2 c. Grape Nuts cereal
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup flaxseed
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, blueberries, cherries, apricots, apples)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, so that the paper overhangs on opposite sides (to make removing the bars easy).

In a small saucepan, combine nut butter, honey, agave nectar, brown sugar and vanilla. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until the brown sugar dissolves and the nut butter is incorporated smoothly into the mixture.

In a large bowl, combine puffed wheat (or rice or kamut), oats, Grape Nuts, chopped almonds, flaxseed, sunflower seeds and dried fruit. Pour 1/2 of the warm honey mixture over the oat mixture and use a rubber spatula to combine. Pour the remaining honey mixture over the oat mixture and continue stirring with the spatula until the mixture is thoroughly blended. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and use the spatula to press the mixture firmly.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the granola bars are golden brown all over. Remove the pan from the oven and again use the rubber spatula to press down on the mixture. Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then use the overhanging parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut 16 pieces. Wrap and keep air-tight for a week. Granola bars can also be wrapped and stored in a plastic bag in the freezer for several months.

Serving Size: makes 12 bars