Best Homemade Granola Bars

I have been searching for a homemade granola bar for a loooong time. None of them have been quite right. I tried these yesterday and these are the best yet - the perfect base with lots of options for mix-ins. This is from Food Network Magazine.

Base: Toss 3 cups rolled oats with 2 tbsp vegetable oil on a baking sheet and bake at 350 or until lightly toasted (about 20 mins). Let cool and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 cup of base mix-ins (or combo of): nuts, sunflower seeds, pepitas, or coconut.

Goo: Combine 6 tbsp butter in a saucepan with 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The mixture will bubble and foam. Cook for 30 seconds and pour over oat base. Let cool slightly and add 1 cup of bar mix-ins (or combo of): dried fruit, chocolate chips, pretzels, cereal, etc.

Line a 9x13 baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray. Pour the bar mixture into the dish and press firmly with a rubber spatula.

Let stand at room temp until completely cool and firm enough to slice (1-3 hrs). Lift out of the dish, cut into bars, wrap in wax paper.