Homemade Granola Bars Take 2 - Mango Coconut Ginger

So the granola bar experiment I did a few weeks ago had very good results. My little nutty creations were quite well received by the critics.

Ever since then I've wanted to try some different flavor combos. [Plus I now have this giant hulking bag of rolled oats in my cupboard that I need to use up.]

For attempt number two, I used almonds, coconut, dried mango and ginger, plus the usual rolled oats.

ready to be smushed

I realllly wanted to add cinnamon, but I'm realizing that cinnamon is kind of like a baking crutch for me. I put it in everything because I know it will make it automatically good, but then after awhile things start tasting the same. So this time, I said NO cinnamon. And it didn't need it. These things taste great.

smushing

If you have any kids going back to school, I think these granola bars look pretty perfect for stuffing into lunch boxes. They're also a great grab and go breakfast or work snack.

smushed birdseed granola

Warning: The bag of rolled oats is still going strong, so this might not be the last time I post about granola bars...

Mango Coconut Ginger Granola Bars

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1.5 c unsalted almonds [toasted or raw]

1 cup unsweetened coconut

1/2 c dried mango [apricots would work if you can't find mango]

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 c honey

1/4 c brown sugar

3 T butter [salted]

1/4 tsp salt

1. Spread the oats on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes at 300 degrees, stirring often.
2. Repeat with the coconut [and almonds if you bought raw ones], being careful that they don't burn.
3. In a food processor, give the nuts and coconut a few pulses to break them up into smaller pieces. Then pulse 3/4 c of the oats until they are finely ground.
4. Use a knife to slice the mango or apricot into small bite sized pieces.
5. Mix both oats, the almonds, fruit, coconut and ginger in a large bowl.
6. In a small saucepan, cook the honey, butter, brown sugar and salt over medium heat until it bubbles. Let it bubble for about a minute and remove from heat.
7. Spray an 8"x8" baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
8. Pour the honey mixture over dry mixture in bowl. Toss well until everything's coated.
9. Turn the mixture out into the pan. Put a plastic baggy over your hand and push the granola down into the pan until it's well packed.
10. Bake at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for a few hours then slice into bars. Wrap in wax paper or store in an airtight container.