Sunshine Bars

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine; you make me happy when skies are grey...."

Sunshine Bars

1 c. orange juice
1 c. dried apricots
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. oil
1 1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. wheat germ
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
1 c. raisins
2/3 c. toasted almond meal
1/2 c. shredded, sweetened coconut (opt.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat orange juice to a boil. Put apricots into a pan, bring to a boil again, and turn off heat. Cover pan and let apricots absorb juice until tender enough to cut with a sharp knife, but not really soft.
Mix honey and oil. Stir oats, flour, wheat germ, cinnamon, and salt together.
Drain apricots and add the juice to the honey-oil mixture.
Chop apricots and add to dry ingredients along with raisins and almond meal. Combine dry and wet ingredients and press mixture into a greased 9" x 13" baking dish. Sprinkle coconut on top if desired.
Bake 30 minutes. Watch carefully -- cookies made with honey brown quickly.
Allow to cool completely before cutting.
Makes about 2 dozen squares.


A delightfully sweet, soft, homemade granola bar...Perfect for breakfast on-the-go!

I promise; they will bring great joy to your day.

"....you'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away...."