Cranberry & White Chocolate Granola Bars

I've tried many different homemade granola bar recipes and this one is my absolute favorite!  I got it from one of our son's cub scout leaders.  She brought it on a family cub scout hike and we couldn't get enough.  The rice krispies mixed in with the oats give it a little air, making it not so dense and heavy, like homemade granola bars often are.  I'm not a huge coconut fan but the hint of coconut is just enough to enhance the flavor.  You can choose your mix-in's but the cranberry and white chocolate combo is the best one in my book.  You can also throw some chia or flax seeds into it health it up a little.  This recipe makes a lot, which is just how I like it.  Cook once, store and snack all week long.  Whether you're hiking through the woods, snacking around the house or looking for a little something to send with the kids in their lunch, this right here is a winner!

Ingredients:
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup coconut oil or butter
1/2 cup honey
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:
Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with parchment paper.  In a large mixing bowl, mix oats, cereal and shredded coconut.  In a small sauce pan, melt the coconut oil or butter over medium heat.  Add honey, brown sugar and salt.  Stir together then bring to a boil.  Once the boil has reached all the way around the edges of the pan, begin timing.  Allow mixture to boil for 2 minutes.  You may need to turn down the heat so it doesn't overflow, but keep it boiling.  After two minutes, remove from heat and stir in vanilla.  Pour over the oat mixture.  Stir thoroughly until oats are completely covered.  Stir in cranberries and white chocolate, or whatever mix-in's you choose.  Pour mixture onto parchment lined cookie sheet.  Use your hands to press firmly into pan.  If you don't press firmly enough, the bars will fall apart.  (Tip: if you spray your hands with cooking spray, the oats won't stick to your hands.)  Place pan in refrigerator for 30 minutes.  Remove parchment paper from pan and place on firm, flat surface.  Cut into bars.  I cut the smaller extra pieces into little bite sized granola bites.  They were a hit!  Store in airtight container or bag.

*Source:  Heidi Riggs