Fruit and Nut Granola

This is the basis granola recipe our family enjoys, however we are constantly trying new additions or combinations which means breakfast is never boring. But don't stop there, granola is great sprinkled on yogurt or even ice cream. One of our favorites however is a fruit and granola parfaits made with layers of yogurt, fresh fruit and granola, and then we repeat the layer.



8 Cups Regular Oats
2 Cups of coconut
1/2 Cup of wheat germ
3 Cups of chopped nuts (almond, walnut, pecan, cashew etc...)
2 Cups dried fruit (raisin, cherry, blueberry, cranberry etc...)
1/2 Teaspoon salt
2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
1/2 Cup Honey
1/4 Cup Canola oil
3 Teaspoons vanilla



Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients together except the fruit.













Mix the wet ingredients stirring well. Pour over dry ingredents and stir well to coat the oatmeal. Pour into a baking dish.

Bake in a 300 degree oven for 30 minutes. Stir half way through.

Add the fruit when the granola has cooled a bit.

Enjoy!!!

One of our favorite granola's is Cherry Almond. I use only almonds for the nuts and dried cherries for the fruit. In place of the 3 teaspoons of vanilla I substitute 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 2 teaspoons of vanilla. I also leave out the cinnamon.

One of the things we love about making our own granola is being able to create what ever we are in the mood for.

This recipe fills up 3 quart sized zip-lock bags and will last about a week, unless Mar-Kell comes to visit and then they all seem to disappear. Love you Mar-Kell!