Healthy Soft Granola Bars

Inspired by an easy recipe by "kzmom" and Ruth Yaron's Super Baby Food, but altered for some healthy extras...

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 32

Ingredients

• 4  cups oatmeal
• 2  tablespoons  soy flour
• 2  tablespoons wheat germ
• 2  teaspoons brewer's yeast
• 1  cup whole wheat flour
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 2  teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 9  tablespoons flax seeds
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 1⁄2 cup applesauce
• 1⁄4 cup  melted butter
• 1⁄2 cup  dried fruit (I used dried cranberries and "berry medley" from Trader Joe's containing cherries, blueberries, and)

Directions

1. Grind flaxseeds in food processor, finer the better.
2. Mix all dry ingredients together in large bowl.
3. Add all remaining wet ingredients and mix very well. I mash between my fingers for a good consistency that doesn't crumble later.
4. Add dried fruit and mix if you haven't already. I eyeball this, probably about 1/2 cup.
5. Firmly press into jelly roll pan. Since the mixture is sticky, I find it best to spread it out with the spoon, cover with a sheet of plastic wrap, then roll firmly with a rolling pin. The firmer you press the bars, the less likely they are to crumble later.
6. Bake 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees. My oven takes 17 minutes. Edges start to brown slightly, middle puffs up. Do not overbake or they will be hard.
7. Cut into bars (or whatever shape you prefer) with pizza wheel cutter WHILE WARM.
8. When cool, store in tupperware container in fridge until ready to eat.