GRANOLA THE GREAT

Here’s my recipe for granola!  I think you’ll enjoy it a lot.  It keeps well in a large airtight container.  Remember to also package it in small Ziploc bags to add to a lunchbox or to carry as a snack. I’ve given larger containers of the yummy stuff to give as “thank you” gifts.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 cups large flake rolled oats (the long-cooking kind)

2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut

2 cups sliced almonds

2 cups chopped walnuts

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

½ cup light brown sugar

Mix the above dry ingredients, then coat with the following dressing.

Dressing:

1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil

1/3 cup honey

1 t. vanilla

Place on a large baking sheet, with sides, and bake at 325 degrees for up to one hour. Stir occasionally and bake until mixture turns golden brown and dries out a bit. When mixture is about 30 minutes from being done, add the following dried fruit.

Fruit:  add more or less according to taste

½ cup dried cherries

½ cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup dried blueberries

1/2 cup dried pineapple

1/2 cup dried apricots

Allow granola to cool completely and then store in an airtight container.

Serve as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal or ice cream or eat as a cereal (or as an addition to your favorite cereal) with milk, or eat as is for a snack.

*Feel free to add additional ingredients, such as other fruits or more honey or to delete ingredients such as the brown sugar or salt, to make the granola more to your liking.