Homemade Granola Bars

I have to cut out dairy due to Drew having a dairy intolerance.  Trying to find things that lack dairy is challenging!  So, I decided to make some homemade granola bars.  I haven't made them before; they taste super!!!

Ingredients

• 2 cups instant oatmeal
• 1 cup ground nuts - I used 1/2 pecans and 1/2 pistachios
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup wheat bran
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup ground dried fruit - I used a mixture

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  Line 8x12 pan with parchment paper.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat bran.


Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
Place the olive oil, honey, brown sugar and vanilla in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Mix the fruit, nut and toasted mixture.  Cook sauce and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool for at least 2 to 3 hours before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Modified from Barefoot Contessa's orginal recipe:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/homemade-granola-bars-recipe/index.html