Granola Bars

FROM GLUTEN FREE GIRL (glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com)
(makes 20)
2cups rolled oats, certified gluten-free
1cup hazelnuts
1cup agave nectar syrup
1cup muscovado brown sugar
2tbsps butter
1tsp vanilla extract
1/2tsp sea salt
1/4cup sunflower seeds
1cup brown rice cereal
2cups mixed dried fruit (mangoes, raisins, & cranberries)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Line a small casserole dish w/parchment paper. (If you want thick granola bars, use a small casserole dish. For thin ones, choose a larger casserole dish.)

2. Slide the oats & hazelnuts onto a baking sheet and into the oven. Let them toast, turning them once in a while, for about 10 mins.
3. While those are toasting, put the agave nectar syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, & sea salt into a saucepan. On medium heat, bring the syrup to a slow boil. Set aside.
4. In a bowl, combine the toasted oats & hazelnuts, the sunflower seeds, brown rice cereal, & dried fruit. Pour the syrup over this concoction & stir it all up, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5, Pat the mixture into the casserole dish, on top of the parchment paper. Smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Put the dish into the oven to bake.
6.Bake for 20-30 mins, depending on how crunchy you want the bars to be. Allow them to cool for at least an hour before cutting them up into bars.

http://glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com/2008/09/granola-bars-are-for-grabbing.html