Chewy Nut Granola Bars

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, toss the oats with the canola oil, melted butter and salt. Spread the mixture out on 2 baking sheets and toast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the pan twice and making sure they don’t burn. Remove from the oven and set aside. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan on med/low heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, apple juice and peanut butter. Heat the mixture slowly, stirring until all combined. Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla.

Step 3: Toss together the toasted oats, rice cereal, grape nuts, pecans, peanuts and dried cranberries. Pour in the sugar mixture, stirring as you pour. Toss to combine; it will be sticky! Spray some non-stick spray on your hands and press into 1 baking sheet (thoroughly greased with butter, or line pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray) and bake until golden, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Lift out entire sheet with the parchment paper and set on cutting board. Spread melted chocolate on top of entire sheet of granola bars. Cut pieces with a sharp knife and store in airtight container, separated in layers with waxed paper.