Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Homemade Granola

Yum, yum: This is an easy, no-hassle recipe for healthy, homemade granola that goes great with fresh fruit or yogurt for a delicious breakfast.

Ingredients:

- 8 cups dry oats
- 2-2 1/2 cups dried fruit in small pieces (raisins, Craisins, chopped dried apricots, etc.)
- 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon as desired

- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease 2 cookie sheets with edges.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, dried fruit, and cinnamon; stir until mixed together.

In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the brown sugar, water, and salt. Cook while stirring for 3-4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Pour sugar mixture over oats; stir to coat.

Spread granola evenly on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.