Granola Bars

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law. With so many ways to vary this recipe, I've never made them the same way twice.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Yields: 24 bars

Ingredients

• 4  cups oats (old-fashioned)
• 1⁄2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1⁄2 cup coconut
• 1⁄2 cup flax seed meal
• 1⁄2 cup  oat bran
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped dates (or a combination of both) or 1⁄2 cup  mixed dried fruit (or a combination of both)
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped  nuts (almonds, walnuts, whatever you prefer)
• 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 3⁄4 cup  firmly packed brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons flour
• 1⁄2 cup light corn syrup
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl combine oats, sunflower kernels, coconut, flax seed meal, oat bran, dates/fruit and nuts.
2. In a small sauce pan, melt margarine over medium-low heat.
3. Add corn syrup, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and honey; stir to combine.
4. Increase heat to medium and stir occasionally.
5. Meanwhile spray a 13x9 baking pan with non-stick spray.
6. Measure out a sheet of foil large enough to cover pan.
7. Spray foil with non-stick spray and set aside.
8. Cook corn syrup mixture until it comes to a full boil; let boil for one minute.
9. Remove from heat and pour over oat mixture.
10. Stir to combine (mixture will be very stiff).
11. Transfer mixture into prepared pan.
12. Cover with prepared foil and PRESS FIRMLY.
13. You want the mixture to be as compact as possible.
14. I've even used a small cutting board to help press the mixture firmly& evenly (don't be afraid to stand on it!).
15. When mixture is as firm and even as you would like, remove foil& let mixture cool.
16. Cut into bars.
17. Note: Don't be afraid to add, remove and/or substitute ingredients, such as chocolate chips, wheat germ, raisins, anything goes.
18. I'd love to get some other suggestions!