Homemade Granola Bars

• 2 cups quick-cooking (not instant) oats
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 to 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (to taste)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil inside a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish and mold it to fit the dish. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine oats, brown sugar, wheat flour, white flour, dried fruit, salt, cinnamon, and nuts in a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine liquid ingredients and stir to mix well. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Spoon into foil-lined baking dish and press into an even layer.
3. Place in a 350-degree oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Let cool in pan. When cool, carefully lift foil out and transfer baked granola sheet to a cutting board. Use a large, sharp knife to cut into rectangular bars.

To keep these granola bars at their freshest, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store a bunch in a re-sealable plastic bag in the freezer. Toss directly into a lunch box or thaw on the counter top for 15 minutes as you need them.

Makes about 20 granola bars.