Chewy cranberry and raisin granola squares

Granola is my new favorite thing lately. Great as a snack, perfect for breakfast and full of health. And it's very easy to make. I love it in it's loose form, crunchy and yummy, like this one. But the husband has no patience for that. He prefers a granola bar that he can have on the go. So making some granola sqaures has been on my mind for a while now. I was just worried about the granola not sticking together. I have to confess that this was my 2nd attempt! The first one was just too crumbly to hold together. But it taught me what I was doing wrong and I fixed it this time. And success! The husband was happy, and so was I!   
 

 For about 20 squares:

2 cups rolled oats
1/3 cup wheat bran
1/3 cup oat flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1 tbsp flax seeds
1 tbsp sunflower seeds
1 tsp sesame seeds

2 tbsps raisins

2 tbsps dried cranberries

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup almond butter (can be substituted with peanut butter)

1/4 cup honey
2 tbsps corn syrup

6 tbsps melted butter (unsalted)
1 tbsp water

In a big bowl, combine the oats, wheat bran, oat flour, walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, raisins and cranberries. Sprinkle the salt, sugar and cinnamon over it. Mix well. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Pre-heat your oven to 150C/300F.

Mix the vanilla extract, almond butter, honey, corn syrup, butter and water in a small bowl and whisk well until it becomes a thick homogenous mixture. Pour over the oats mixture and toss well until the nuts and oats are evenly coated.

Spread the mixture on the baking tray and press down firmly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the edges start to brown. 

Remove from oven and let cool for an hour.Once completely cool, cut into 2-inch sqaures using firm but gentle pressure. Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

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