Chewy Granola Bars

Chewy Granola Bars - adapted from my MIL

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
3 cups quick oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup crisp rice cereal
3/4 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup each sunflower, flax and sesame seeds**

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a large cooking sheet with edges.

2. Heat butter and brown sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in corn syrup.

3. Combine remaining ingredients in large bowl. Pour sugar mixture on top. Mix well, until all ingredients are moistened. Press firmly into prepared pan.

4. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until light golden. Cook less time for chewy texture. Bake longer for crispier bars. Cool completely then cut into bars.

**Vary the dried fruit and seeds to suit your own tastes, keeping the total amount the same as in the recipe. I prefer to increase the amount of seeds and decrease the amount of dried fruit. You could also add raisins, coconut of even some chocolate chips for a special treat!

Makes about 28 bars. Store in an air tight container for up to one week or freeze for future use!