My hunny has had many fond memories growing up about dried fruits & nuts… Hadley’s that is. On his recent trip to LA, he surprised me with some yummy dried cherries from Hadley’s. They were oh so sweet, tart, chewy, mmm…good. A while back I’d been looking for a homemade granola bar recipe & wanted to add these little gems into the mix. Here they are:
The dry…
The wet…
baked to perfection…
Granola Bars
adapted from Our Kitchen Sink
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1 cup whole raw almonds
1 t sea salt
1 t cinnamon
1 t vanilla
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup dried cherries
Preheat the oven to 325. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, line a square baking pan (8×8) with parchment paper that are long enough to leave an overhang. Combine the oats, coconut, seeds and nuts; spread out evenly on baking sheet and toast for about 15 minutes. Next combine honey, peanut butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon and vanilla in a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Transfer oat mixture to a large bowl and add the honey mixture and dried cherries. Spread the mixture in the prepared square pan, pressing the mixture into the pan and create a smooth, even surface. Bake the granola mixture for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Lift granola out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Using a large sharp knife, Cut the into bars. Store in an airtight container.
Images: sammyw
Sammyw 
I’ve always wanted to make homemade granola bars. I’ll have to try these. I’m about to make your molasses cookies. I’ll let you know how they turn out.
I made granola bars a few months ago but they were more like a cake texture. These look like the ones you buy in a store. I will have to try them!
Niki: Yes, these are very firm and almost crunchy. Super tasty!!