Classic Granola Bars

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325F. Oil a 20-cm / 8-inch square baking pan.
Pour enough hot water from the tap over the plums to cover and soak for 5 minutes. Drain.

Heat the coconut oil in a straight-sided sauté pan over medium heat. Add the oats, coconut, flaxseed meal, and sesame seeds and stir frequently until the oats have deepened to a light amber color, about 6 minutes. If the oats start to darken too quickly at the edges, lower the heat. Transfer to a large bowl.

In a small pot, bring the honey, concentrate, salt, and cinnamon to a boil. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken the syrup. Pour the syrup over the oats. Stir in the dried plums and cranberries. Using a spatula, thoroughly mix the ingredients so that the oats are evenly coated in the syrup.

Press the oats evenly into the prepared pan. Bake until the top is a deep golden brown, 20 to 24 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Invert the pan onto a cooling rack, remove the pan, and let cool completely. Cut into 3.8-by-6.35 /1 1/2- by-2 1/2-inch bars.