What are some basic recipes to make granola bars at home?

To make granola bars at home, process 1 cup of packed pitted dates, and combine with 1 cup roasted almonds and 1 1/2 cups rolled oats. Add 1/4 cup each of honey and natural peanut butter, and then press the mixture into an 8x8 pan. Chill for 20 minutes.

Ina Garten's homemade granola bars call for 2 cups of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup sliced almonds and 1 cup shredded coconut. Toast these ingredients in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 or 12 minutes, and then remove from heat and add 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ to the mix. In a saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons of butter, 2/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then pour the liquid over the oats and nuts. Add 1/2 cup each pitted chopped dates, chopped dried apricots and dried cranberries, and mix well. Pack the granola mixture into a parchment-lined 8x12 baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to let the bars cool for 1 or 2 hours before cutting.

A recipe like this can also omit certain fruits or add ingredients such as other types of nuts or chocolate chips.