CRANBERRY GRANOLA

My husband loves granola cereal. He can take out a little box in one sitting without a problem! Lately, I feel like I am buying numerous little boxes every time I go shopping so I decided it was time to find a recipe for a homemade version.

In an attempt to save some cash and give him something healthier I decided to take on the cereal challenge. Who knew granola was so easy to make?! Now I admit this isn't the healthiest but it was delicious. In fact my daughter took a bite and said "mmmm, Momma, you gave me a little taste of heaven!" She knows how to give me compliment!

What I love about this recipe is that you can make it into whatever you want...more or less nuts/sugar, different dried fruits/nuts, etc. My next challenge is to to make it healthier yet still taste good...I am experimenting with applesauce instead of oil.

Cranberry Granola
Slightly Adapted from Alton Brown
Serves 6

4 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 shredded coconut
6 Tablespoons brown sugar
6 Tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey, (or to taste)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoons of salt
1 cup dried cranberries


Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt.

Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color. Remove from oven, add cranberries and mix until evenly distributed.

Granola will become crunchier as it cools. Store in an airtight container.

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