Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola Bars

Have you ever looked up your life path number? I am so into this right now. My life path number is a 6. And apparently us 6's require a lot of love. We want to love and be loved errrrrayday. Which literally could not be more true of myself. Number 6's are connected with balance and responsibility and we bring the energy of practicality. We are also a bit annoying in a controlling sort of way ...... ummmmmmm. Totally. Anyway, it's super interesting and if you follow the chart it tells you who you mesh with and who you don't. The numerology also talks all about Karma and other fun things. I don't know why I am talking about this other than the fact that I find it interesting and so should you. You should also make these granola bars because they are amazzzzzzzing. 

Dark Chocolate Cherry Granola Bars

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup wheat bran

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar

3 tbs butter

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

pinch of salt

1/2 Chopped cherries

(1) bag or 14 oz dark chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and butter an 8 by 12-inch baking dish on all sides and the bottom and line the bottom with parchment paper so the granola bars are sure to not stick.

2. Toss the oatmeal, almonds, wheat bran, and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just lightly browned. DO NOT leave this in too long because it burns fast. Make sure to check it all the time. 

3. While the dry ingredients toast, place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for one minute at a low boil, then set aside.

4. Scoop all your toasted dry ingredients into a large bowl and pour the wet mixture over the toasted mix. Add the chopped cherries and stir well. You can always substitute different fruit. 

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Wet your fingers and lightly press the mixture down into the pan. I line the top with parchment paper and use another pan to press down really firmly so my bars are super packed in. (See video) 

6. Bake at 300 degrees now for 20-22 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool completely before slicing into bars. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate. Serve at room temperature.

TIP: To melt the chocolate, place all the chips in a microwavable bowl and heat at 30 second intervals (stirring in between) until completely melted.