This is the time of year when it’s easy to be overwhelmed by sweet snacks, still it’s possible to enjoy a little treat and feel good about it when it’s homemade granola. Granola may seem like a weird choice, but this recipe is nothing short of miraculous. My friend Kim, who professes to loath and despise granola adores this and asks for it every time she comes to visit. My brother in law, Tom, can take down a whole pan in one sitting, particularly when it’s still warm from the oven. Even Sammy, who calls granola “70’s hippie food,” can’t resist it. Granola is kind of a household staple around here.
I like this granola because you can customize it exactly to your taste. Most recipes call for pecans, but I think walnuts add a more interesting flavor and texture. I add a lot of ginger because ginger is wonderful, and a little less sugar because I like the salty taste . The dried fruit can be whatever you have in the cupboard; I personally have a crush on a dried tropical fruit medley you can get at any grocery. It has fun stuff in it, like dried pineapple and papaya. Of course, it might be pretty to use dried cranberries for Christmas, which brings me to another thought. This granola makes a nice little gift that’s a bit different in a season awash with cookies and cake. Good news guys, it keeps for a week! Make this now and have it ready to give away anytime during the holidays. It’s pretty to pack in a glass jar or easy to tie up in some plastic wrap. Heck, just throw the this granola in a baggie – everyone will love you for it.
Ingredients
3 c old-fashioned oats
1 c chopped walnuts (or pecans, or almonds)
3 Tbsp brown sugar
¾ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
¾ tsp salt
1/3 c honey
2 Tbsp canola oil
cooking spray
1 c dried fruit – anything you like
Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy clean up. Spay it with just a touch of cooking spray.
Mix 1st seven ingredients in a large bowl.
Mix honey and oil in a small saucepan and heat to combine. Pour over granola mixture and stir to mix well.
Spread on baking sheet.
Bake for 40 minutes or until golden stirring every 10 minutes.
Cool then stir in fruit.
Store in an airtight container.
