The Kitchen Door

I love granola and vanilla yogurt with a handful of frozen berries mixed in.  I try to keep granola around the house so that when the dessert cravings attack I can make myself a small parfait and feel good about my dessert choice.  This granola is easy and yummy.  I keep it in a big jar on the counter and it looks so inviting and homey.  :)

Enjoy!

Honey Maple Granola

Makes about 5 cups.

The Ingredients

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (don't even think about using quick cooking oats)
• 1 cup shredded, sweetened, coconut
• 1 cup nuts of choice, chopped but just barely
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
• 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil (use coconut oil if you can)
• 1/2 cup honey OR 1/2 maple syrup OR 1/4 cup of each (which is what I did)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots, raisins, whatever you like) OPTIONAL  *I opted not to add fruit because Mike is not a "dried fruits" kind of guy but he commented that the granola would be great with chopped dried pineapple.  Hmmm, it does sound good at that.

The Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300° F and place rack in center of oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl combine the oats, coconut, nuts, and salt.
3. In a small saucepan set over medium low heat, melt the butter or coconut oil. Remove from heat. Stir in the honey, maple syrup, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together, making sure all the dry ingredients are coated with the butter mixture.
4. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every five minutes or so. Do not over bake; be careful because it is easy to do.  You won't think it is done, but if it has been in about 20 minutes and is golden brown... it's done.
5. Place on a wire rack to cool. You will notice that the granola is still sticky when you remove it from the oven but it will become crisp and dry as it cools. Once the granola has completely cooled stir in your choice of dried fruits if desired. Store in an airtight container or plastic bag. It will keep for several weeks.

 

By: The Kitchen Door

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