Granola Bars

I always try to have these on hand.  I keep one or two of these in my purse in case I get delayed so that if I get hungry I have a little snack.  Otherwise I would probably end up stopping somewhere and grabbing a chocolate bar or some chips.  Sometimes one or two of these with some fruits and vegetables become my lunch when I have a day where I am running around from one place to the next without the time to stop and have a proper meal.  Making them right into these containers also means they are quick to grab, and there is no excuse for not grabbing them on my way out the door.

 

• 4 cups oats
• 1 cup coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts (your preference)
• 1 cup chopped dried fruit (your preference) 
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt

Place oats, coconut, nuts and chopped fruit into a bowl.  Add peanut butter and honey into a saucepan and warm over low heat stirring until melted and combined.  Mix in vanilla and salt.  Pour over oat mixture and stir until combined.  Using a 1/4 cup scoop place mixture into containers and firmly press down using a teaspoon.  Alternatively place into a 9x13 pan and press down, chill, then cut into 24 pieces.