No Bake Cherry Granola Nut Bars

It must be fall if I am making granola bars.

I love Kashi Chocolate Almond & Sea Salt snack bars, and ALWAYS have one in my purse, and never go on a trip without a zip-loc bag full. They are the perfect snack in an emergency, and not too sweet, like so many granola bars.

But even better, is making your own granola bars at home. Kids love them, and so do adults.
Here is my tried and true recipe, that you bake in the oven, always a hit.

However, not in the mood to turn on my oven one night, I made these from reading a random instagram feed inspired by Food52 Bulk Bin Snack Bars.

I always have a surplus of nuts, so made my own combo.
I didn't have almond butter, so used peanut butter instead.

Some people used sunflower or pumpkin seeds; next time I will use dates and figs.
I used dried cherries & golden raisins for my bars.

These were so easy to put together!
and they make nice gifts too.

Here is my rendition:

1 cup of oats
2 cups of mixed nuts & seeds: (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, whatever you like)
1/3 cup of dried cherries
handful of golden raisins
1/2 cup of maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup of almond or peanut butter

Toast the oats, nuts and seeds a few minutes in a dry pan on the stove, just until fragrant.

In a double boiler or microwave, heat the honey with the nut butter and stir. If it is too thick, add in some water (mine was fine).

Pour the liquid into the nuts and oats and add in whatever dried fruit you are using.
Stir together.

Spread evenly in a paper lined 8 x 8 pan or half sheet pan.

Let cool overnight in the fridge to harden.
Cut into squares and enjoy!