Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line the baking pan with enough parchment paper so the edges reach over the sides of the pan. (You’ll pull up on the paper to remove the bars from the pan when they’re done baking.)

Mix the dry ingredients together. In the mixing bowl, use a rubber spatula to combine the oats, coconut, flaxseed (or wheat germ), and walnuts. Stir well.

Melt the chocolate. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chocolate chips, butter, honey, salt and vanilla. Stir continuously, about 1 minute, until the chocolate has melted.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the oat mixture. With a rubber spatula, stir until all the oats are coated. (Use your hands if you like, but ask an adult first to make sure the chocolate isn’t too hot!)

Press the oat mixture into the pan. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan and, using your hands, spread it out so the mixture is flat and even.

Bake. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are just golden.

Let cool. Remove the pan from the oven. Let the granola cool in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Cut the bars. Using your hands, press down on the granola one more time to ensure it is packed tightly. Holding the edges of the parchment paper, transfer it to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, but into 8 rectangles.