Granola Bars

My friend has been on the lookout for a healthy and yummy granola bar.  She emailed me this recipe the other day and said "I found it."  I tried it while we were in FL for Christmas and it was excellent.  I love that you don't bake it. It easy and my boys including my husband loved it.  My mom, brother and sister-in-law also loved it.  Here is the the link to the recipe Homemade Chewy Granola Bars and here is the recipe.  If I wasn't so tired tonight I would be making a batch but tomorrow will have to do.

Ingredients

1 cup whole almonds ( I used peanuts because my husband is allergic to almonds)
1 cup pecan halves (could use walnuts)
1 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup dried cherries, chopped if large (next time I am going to try craisins)
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons honey
3 Tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
dash of cinnamon

Directions:

1. Add 1/2 cup each of almonds, pecans, and old fashioned oats into a food processor. Process until fine (not too long or it will start to turn into nut butter!) then pour into a large bowl. Roughly chop the remaining pecans and almonds, then add the bowl. Add remaining old fashioned oats, cherries, and sesame seeds, then mix well and set aside.
2. Combine honey, coconut oil, salt, vanilla & almond extracts, and cinnamon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture melts, then foams, then cook for 15 seconds longer. Pour over nut mixture and mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients.
3. Line a half sheet pan or 8×8 pan with enough saran wrap or parchment paper to let it hang far over the sides, then pour in granola. Press very, very firmly with your hands or something with a flat bottom (may need to spray it with non-stick spray.) Wrap the overhanging saran wrap or parchment paper up over the sides and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut chilled granola into bars. Wrap individually in saran wrap and store in the fridge or freezer.

On a side note.  One of these days when I have more time, which might be a while I will post pictures.  But the recipe will have to do for now.