How to make Joe's Granola Bars

These kick ass...

Here is the full recipe:

Ingredients:

4 Cups Old-Fashioned Oats
6 Ounces (about 2 cups) Almonds (whole/sliced/chopped)
3 Ounces (about 1 cup) Wheat Germ
4 Ounces (about 2 scoops) Vanilla Whey Powder
2 Ounces (2 Tablespoons) Unsalted Butter
½ Cup Packed Brown Sugar
4 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
12 Ounces (about 1 cup) Honey
12 Ounces (about 1 cup) Maple Syrup
1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1.5 Ounces Chopped Dates
1.5 Ounces Chopped Figs
6.5 Ounces Dried Cranberries (which will be chopped up)
6.5 Ounces Whole Dried Cranberries

Equipment:
Food Processor (or Blender)
Large Mixing Bowl
Small Bowl
Medium Microwavable Bowl
Large mixing spoon
Parchment Paper
1-2 large sheet pans

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Do steps 2-7 while oven is pre-heating:

2. In a food processor (or blender) put the 4 Cups of Old-Fashioned Oats and process until the oats are in small pieces. NOTE: If you are using a blender to cut them up you might need to do it 1 cup at a time. Place into large mixing bowl.

3. In a food processor (or blender) put the Almonds and Wheat Germ together and process until they are all small pieces. Place into the Old-Fashioned Oats, add the Vanilla Whey Powder and mix together.

4. In a food processor (or blender) put the chopped Dates in and process until the pieces are small. Add the Figs and 6.5 Ounces of the Dried Cranberries and continue the process. Place in a separate bowl from the Oats/Almond/Wheat Germ Mix. Add the 6.5 Ounces Whole Dried Cranberries and mix.

5. In a microwavable bowl, place the Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Honey, Vanilla Extract and Kosher Salt. Combine ingredients and place in the microwave until the Brown Sugar has dissolved (about 3-4 minutes). NOTE: You might need to stir the mixture 2 minutes into the process.

6. Take the mixture out of the microwave and combine with the Oats/Almonds/Wheat Germ/Whey Powder mixture. Once combined add the fruit mixture.

7. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper. Put aside.

8. Take two large pieces of Parchment paper: put one on the countertop and empty the mixture onto it. Place the 2nd piece of paper on top and flatten. NOTE: you might need a rolling pin to help. Once flattened, take off the top parchment paper.

9. Cut (or mold) the mixture into bars. NOTE: The Mixture will be incredibly sticky and you might need to roll the mixture in your hands and flatten out. Place each bar onto the parchment-lined sheet. You might need a second sheet for the mixture.

10. Place the sheet(s) into the oven for about 20-25 minutes; the edges of the bars will start to turn brown when they are ready to come out.

11. Let bars cool completely and enjoy!

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