September 8, 2009
If possible try to get unsweetened dried fruit at a local health food store for this yummy granola. Who needs the extra sugar when it is so tasty on its own?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
1 cup old fashioned or quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)
½ cup unsweetened, shredded coconut (I prefer the one with the big flakes)
½ cup sliced or slivered almonds or pecans
3 tablespoons grape seed oil
1 pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup dried blueberries
½ cup flax seed (ground coarsely in a spice grinder)
½ cup dried cherries
Toss the oatmeal, coconut, nuts, oil and honey together onto a sheet pan and bake, stirring occasionally with a metal spatula, until the mixture turns golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool and add flax and dried fruit, mix gently.
Store in an air tight container and enjoy with milk, yogurt, ice cream or alone as a snack. For guests, I pour some into a clear cellophane bag and tie with some pretty ribbon and a handmade gift tag.
