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Homemade Granola

Source of Recipe

From "In the Kitchen with David" by David Venable


Recipe Introduction

"On mornings when I need some crispy, crunchy goodness to get going, I reach for my homemade granola. Simple to make and bake, it's packed with nutty clusters of oats, raisins, cranberries, honey, and cinnamon. This granola is a great way to put some kick into your step and send you out the door smiling."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking)
â—¦ 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
â—¦ 1 cup chopped pecans
â—¦ ½ cup chopped or slivered almonds
â—¦ 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
â—¦ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
â—¦ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
â—¦ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
â—¦ â…“ cup canola oil or applesauce
â—¦ â…“ cup honey
â—¦ â…“ cup apple juice
â—¦ ½ cup golden raisins
â—¦ ½ cup pitted and chopped dates
â—¦ 1 cup dried cranberries


Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Stir together the oats, coconut, pecans, almonds, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the canola oil, honey, and apple juice.

Pour the oil mixture over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until the oats and nuts are well coated. Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet and bake, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes, until the granola is golden. Remove the granola from the oven and allow it to cool completely, stirring occasionally. Stir in the raisins, dates, and cranberries. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Makes 8 to 9 cups



Make It Your Own:

• Use maple syrup in place of honey.

• Go nuts with nuts or seeds—add toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, or cashews; sunflower and sesame seeds.

• Dried fruit possibilities are endless—options include chopped cherries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, bananas, figs, and mangoes.

• Build breakfast parfaits by alternating layers of granola and your favorite yogurt in tall glasses. Add a spoon and your breakfast is ready.