Chewy Oatmeal, Peanut, and Dried Cherry Granola Bars

These granola bars are great for breakfast with some yogurt.  They are also great for an afternoon snack to keep you going strong until dinner time.  This is the combination that I came up with using ingredients my girls like.  You can add any dried fruits you like. 

Ingredients:

2 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 cup salted peanuts, crushed
4 whole sheets honey graham crackers, crumbled
5 oz. dried cherries, chopped
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light brown sugar
3 T unsalted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Add the oats and crushed peanuts to a large sheet pan.  Bake for 10 minutes.

In a small sauce pan, add the honey, brown sugar, and butter.  Bring to a boil, stirring for 1 minute.  Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Add the toasted oats and peanuts to a large bowl.  Add the crumbled graham crackers, dried cherries, and honey mixture.  Stir well to coat.

Line an 8x12 baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides.  Spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Pour the granola mixture into the dish and use a spatula to press down and pack tight.  Leave on the counter for 2-3 hours.  Cut into granola bars or squares.  Enjoy! 

Tip:  If you want crunchy granola bars, bake in a 300 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.