Granola-To-Go Bars

In my latest Taste of Home magazine I found this great recipe for granola bars from Sally Haen. I've tried others in the past and just haven't hit on one that turns out just right. These were perfect! I'll share with you the modifications I made to the recipe.

3 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup chopped pecans
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sunflower kernels
3/4 cup flaked coconut
3/4 cup chopped dried apples
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine oats and pecans on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a large bowl, combine the egg, butter, honey and vanilla. Stir in the sunflower kernels, coconut, apples, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in oat mixture. Press into baking sheet coated with more cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 13-18 minutes until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.

Now, here's a trick I learned: Baking it for 18 minutes will result in a pretty consistent texture conducive to granola bars. I bake it for the 13-15 minute window. That way I can cut the firmer outside edges off to make about a dozen bars. The middle is soft enough to put in a resealable plastic bag for "snacking granola". We eat it straight or sprinkle it over yogurt.

Of course, staying within the amounts listed you could use any combination of flavors, really. Other dried fruits and nuts or flaxseed would be fine.