CRUNCHY GRANOLA BARS

                        

                        

                                 Im a big fan of Nature Valleys crunchy granola bars. So I was actually searching for  a recipe that makes similar granola bars. Atleast they wont have preservatives  and I know what ingredients go into them! That's when I came across Jana's  crunchy granola bars recipe. Decided to give it a shot and true to its name they were as crunchy as ever! Just made a mental note to make a thinner layer next time. Mine were slightly thick and hence a tad bit too filling!
                           
                          Iv used walnuts, almonds,dried cranberries and blueberries, raisins(my favourite!) The dried fruits were a must for me as they give u that chewy feeling at places. Im so glad I made these granola bars. Perfect for snacking (while watching tv, while in the car, while lounging, while working at your desk...)I might add some peanuts the next time......or some peanut butter..............or some chocolate chips...............man!!! I want to add everything!LOL
 I even smashed some of it into tiny pieces and stored it in a glass jar to eat for breakfast as cereal!
Bonus if your kids love it. Their snack cant get healthier! Although I think kids might just prefer the softer granola bars.

                           My weekend was extremely exciting. I made 2 new boards to use for my food photography. They came out so well and Im mighty pleased with myself. Hahahaha.......
Food styling and photography isnt really my niche but its extremely interesting and needs alot of patience and effort. Alot of thought and work goes into each photoshoot! Almost always has to be done when the kids are in school.......

                           Iv become more active on my instagram page. Lots of new features still to be looked into and experimented on.....so just getting there......... so folks....this journey is just getting more exciting for me! and hopefully for you too.........I would love to hear from you.......leave a comment if you like what you see....any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!.....lots of love!

INGREDIENTS:
Old fashioned rolled oats- 7 cups
vegetable oil - 1/2 cup
salt - 1 tsp
mixed fruit/nuts - 1.5 cups (I used almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, blueberries and raisins)
honey - 3/4 cup
brown sugar - 3/4 cup
vanilla extract - 1 tbsp
ground cinnamon - 2 tsps (optional)

PROCESS:

• Adjust oven rack to the middle of the oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees
• Line an 18 * 13 inch rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil. 
• Combine the oats ,oil and salt in a large bowl and mix until the oats are evenly coated. 
• Transfer the mixture to any baking tray(no need to grease) and spread into an even layer. Bake stirring every 10 minutes until pale gold. About 20-25 minutes. Remove the oats and reduce the temperature to 300 degrees
• chop all the nuts coarsely using a sharp knife.
• Combine the honey and sugar in a saucepan and cook on medium heat till the sugar has completely dissolved. Stir continuously.
• remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and cinnamon if using.
• combine the nuts and dried fruits, honey mixture and oats in a large bowl using a large rubber spatula. Stir until the oats is completely coated in the honey mixture.
• Grease the aluminum foil on the baking tray. Transfer the granola in the baking tray and spread evenly in a thin layer. 
• Grease a large square dish and use it to press the mixture tightly into the pan. 
• Bake until golden , about 35 minutes
• Cool the tray on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before cutting into bars. Cut the bars all the way through and then allow the granola to cool. (they harden as they cool. so don't wait longer than 15 minutes to cut them)
• The bars can be stored for upto 2 weeks