Homemade Granola Bars

I made these granola bars to pack in my lunches for the week. They were very easy to make and required very little effort. This is a great snack with the right balance of proteins and carbohydrates to keep you satisfied until your next meal.

Ingredients:
2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups nuts (any kind will do) & 1 cup raisins and dried apple (any dried fruit will do)  OR
3 cups fruit and nut mix

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a 12 x 8 inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.

2. Spread oatmeal on a sheet pan and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in protein powder.

3. Reduce oven temperture to 300F. In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt; bring to boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then pour over the tasted oatmeal mixture. Add fruit and nuts. Stir until blended. Pour into the prepared pan, lightly pressing into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until light golden brown.

4. Let cool completely. Cut into 2 inch squares or 1 inch bites.

Makes 24 squares or 48 bites. Store in air tight container for up to one week.