Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

These turned out yummy and just the right texture. (I included the recipe source at the end of the post)  My husband and boys love them.  I think they're a little too sweet though.  I have several changes in mind to make but I thought I'd post this original recipe before I start going wild on variations lol!

Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

2.5 C Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
1/2 C Chopped Walnuts
1/4 C Sunflower seeds
2 T    Flax Seeds
1/3 C Wheat Germ

1/3 C Honey
1/4 C Unsalted Butter
1/4 C Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp Salt

1/2 C Dried Cranberries (chopped a little)
1/4 C plus 2 TBSP Chocolate Chips (it was supposed to be mini chips but I didn't buy any and just roughly chopped up some regular sized chips)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a 8 or 9 inch square pan with aluminum foil and spray coat the foil.
Spread out 1st 5 dry ingredients onto a sheet pan and toast in the 350 degree oven for 5 minutes, stir and toast for 3 more minutes.
In medium sauce pan, combine next 5 ingredients and heat until all melted together.  Stirring occasionally.
In a large bowl combine dry toasted mixture with melted sugar mixture.  Let cool for 5 minutes.  Stir in cranberries and 1/4 cup choc chips.  Press into prepared pan and really press and press and press (i used the bottom of a 1 C measuring cup to press it together).  Sprinkle remaining choc chips on top and press  them in.  Cover and cool in the fridge for 2 hours.  Cut into 12 bars, store in sealed container at room temp for soft bars, or in the fridge for firm bars.

(I found the original recipe at Inspired Taste website.  I made a few modifications for my bars and intend to make more.)