Granola Bars

3 c oatmeal
1/2 c oat bran (or wheat flour)
1/2 c wheat germ
1/2 c coconut (opt)

2/3 c brown sugar
1/2 c honey
4 Tbls butter
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

Mix first 4 ingredients and spread on a cookie sheet. Place in 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until toasted. Meanwhile, mix final 5 ingredients in a pot on the stove and bring to a boil. When it starts to boil, remove from heat and pour over toasted grain mix. Mix well.


Spread evenly on a greased cookie sheet. Place a piece of greased wax paper on top of the granola and flatten roughly into a square shape as thick as a granola bar. Remove wax paper and allow to cool about 30 minutes, or until set. Cut immediately into granola bars (a pizza cutter works well). When cool place in air tight container.


Variations:

Peanut Butter: Add 1 c peanuts. Substitute 1/2 c peanut butter for 2 of the Tbls of butter.
Oats and Almond: Add 1 c sliced almonds. Add 1 tsp of cinnamon to boiled ingredients.
Fruit & Nut: Add 1 c of your favorite nuts prior to toasting and 1 c of dried fruit after toasting.
Sesame: Add 1 c sliced almonds and 1/4 c sesame.
Chocolate Chip: Make the basic recipe, spread and cool before pressing. Sprinkle with 1 c mini chocolate chips and press firmly but quickly before chocolate melts.