Chocolate Hazelnut Granola Bars

As a self-proclaimed workaholic who would rather be too busy to function than not busy at all, I have often relied on granola bars to get myself through a class, work, or a meeting without having my stomach sound like it's talking. Living in a foreign country, however, has left me struggling to find a satisfying granola bar to accompany me in my Saturday afternoon dates with the library. This recipe is easy, can be made in a dorm room, and will definitely be the perfect snack for anyone on the go. Play around with different ingredients and try different flavor combinations like apple cinnamon or apricot almond to make a bar that tastes best to you. I have to warn you, though- this combination tastes like a ferrero rocher and makes it extremely difficult to stop eating.

Chocolate Hazelnut Granola Bars
3 cups plain oats
1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
1/3 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sliced dried cherries
1/2 cup diced dates
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup honey

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Mix until completely smooth.
2. Add in oats, dates, and cherries and mix completely. Add more honey until the mixture begins to clump together.

3. Place in microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until the oats are warm. Add a bit more honey if necessary.
4. Add in chocolate and mix until a majority of the oats are covered in chocolate.
5. Line a square baking pan with wax paper and sprinkle the hazelnuts, almonds, and coconut at the bottom. Add the oats and honey mixture on top and press down firmly until the whole pan is covered.

6. Refrigerate overnight until firm. Take out of the refrigerator and slice into individual bars. I prefer to wrap them individually and store in the refrigerator to make for a quick and easy snack!