Homemade Granola Bars

I used to make these granola bars every few weeks, because they are quite tasty.  However, I haven't made them in several years because the last time I made them I cut my finger pretty badly when chopped the dates.  I decided that it was time to conquer my anxiety and make them again.  Cooking "therapy" at work!  I got the recipe from here, and surprisingly, it doesn't need any modifications.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashinioned oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup honey
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Toss the oats, almonds, and coconut together and spread on a baking sheet.  Bake for about 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned.  Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.  Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.  In a saucepan mix together the butter, honey, vanilla, and brown sugar on medium heat and bring to a boil.  Pour over the oat mixture and stir in the dates, apricots, and cranberries.  Pour the mixture into a 2 quart greased baking dish.  Bake for 30 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool at least 2-3 hours before cutting into squares.