I have baked granola from what seems like the beginning of time. It is easy to make and even easier to give away. Everyone loves when I show up with a bag or two. My sister even hides it from the rest of her family so as to get the whole bag for herself (you have to know my sister, the most self-less person on the planet except when it comes to my granola). The thing I like most is you can add whatever you like or whatever you have on hand that day. I often add seeds – some combination of flax, pumpkin, or sesame seeds. This granola is healthy, crunchy, sweet but not too sweet, and so yummy. Make it in huge batches – you won’t be sorry!

Ingredients

3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup coarsely chopped nuts of your choice
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (generous) salt (key ingredient)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup assorted dried fruit

Method

Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix oats, nuts, coconut, cinnamon, and salt in large bowl. Stir honey and oil together with vanilla in a separate bowl. Pour honey mixture over oat mixture; toss. Spread on baking sheet. Bake until golden, stirring every 10 minutes, about 40 minutes. Take out of oven and stir a few times while it is cooling so it doesn’t stick together. Once cool, mix in fruit.

Ready to go in the oven, yum….

Toasted coconut (vegan bacon)

Bring It!

To transport, zip lock bag works great. If you want to get fancy, make a label and stick it on the front of the bag. You can also package it in mason jars with a ribbon and everyone will love it.