Granolas Bard

 Homemade Granola Bars 

2 1/2 cups  old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped (toasted) 

1/3 cup  pure honey

1/4 cup  unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup  dried cranberries, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees - line  baking pan with parchment paper 

  Toast Almond and Oats in the oven for a few minutes- set aside. Combine the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract and the salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally until butter melts, the mixture is bubbling and the sugar completely dissolves.

Pour the butter mixture into the bowl with toasted oats and almonds. Mix well. Let cool about 5 minutes, and then add the cranberries and a 1/4 cup of the mini chocolate chips. Stir to combine. 

Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan, and then use a rubber spatula or damp finger tips to firmly press the mixture into the pan. 

Scatter the remaining 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips over the pressed granola mixture, and then use a rubber spatula to gently press them into the top. Cover then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or freeze for about 30 minutes. Remove the block of granola mixture from pan then peel away the foil or parchment. Cut into 12 bars.