Crunchy Nutty Granola Bars

Serving Size: approx. 15-25 bars

-2 1/2 cups rolled oats
-1/4 cup steel cut oats
-1 cup chopped almonds, walnuts, and/or pecans
-1/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds
-2 TBSP. flax seeds
-2 TBSP. sesame seeds
-1 tsp. sea salt
-1 tsp. cinnamon
-1 tsp. vanilla
-1/4 cup honey
-1/4 cup peanut butter(or any nut butter)
-1/4 cup Nutella(hazelnut, chocolate spread)-optional but gives a great flavor!
-1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
-1/4 cup brown sugar
-1 cup raisins or any dried fruit
-1 TBSP. melted butter
-parchment paper

1)Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2)combine 1st 6 ingredients and spread on baking sheet
3)toast in oven for about 10-15 mins. (don't expect it to turn brown)
4)during the toasting, combine the remaining ingredients, leaving out the dried fruit and butter
5)place in a saucepan over medium/medium-low heat
6)stir until mixed thoroughly and smooth (about 5 mins.)
7)mix this hot "syrup" w/ the toasty oat mix in a large bowl
8)add the butter and stir more, taste and add extra seasoning if desired
9)pour the mix into a parchment paper-lined baking pan of desired size/depth (9x13 works for a typical granola bar thickness)
10)smooth out, press down firmly with fingers, push into corners/flatten so there are no gaps
11)place in oven for about 25 mins. (don't expect it to be hard-it will still give a little until hardening)
12)remove and let cool for 30-40 mins. (if you wait too long they are a bit hard to cut and will crumble)
13)cut with a sharp knife and store in plastic bag for up to week or freeze for future snacking

Back story: I've made these many times and change up the recipe each time since I don't always have all the ingredients at hand...I recommend trying it a few times until you get the flavor you are looking for, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Disclaimer: They do crumble more easily than store bought bars, but when this happens I turn it into cereal or use it to top my yogurt!