Oatmeal, Fruit and Nut Breakfast Bites

1 cup old-fashioned or quick oats (not instant)

1-1/4 cups dried fruit, any combination; chopped

2 tablespoons candied ginger, chopped (optional)

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup shredded coconut, sweetened or unsweetened

1/4 cup chopped nuts or sunflower seeds

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons oil

1/4 cup peanut butter (can substitute other nut or seed butters)

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch x 8-inch baking pan and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the oats, fruit, ginger if you are using it, sugar, coconut, nuts, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine the honey, oil, peanut butter, milk and vanilla. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. The mixture will be thick, and it’s fine to use your hands. Press evenly into pan.

Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges begin to brown. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into bars or squares with a sharp knife. Store in the refrigerator.