Granola is generally not considered to be a very exciting thing. It is associated with health nuts and hippies and old people. But in reality, it can be a delicious snack. A homemade cereal. Something crunchy and delightful on top of your yogurt in the morning. (Or by the handful on the couch while watching movies… like I am doing right now.) And this particular recipe has more in common, flavor-wise, with an oatmeal cookie than anything else, but for some reason, it still makes me feel like I’m being healthy.

The last few years, I’ve been making gift baskets for Christmas for my friends and family, full of homemade treats. This year, one of the items in the baskets was a big bag of granola. It was a hit. I’ve been getting requests for the recipe, so I’m sharing. But, I guess this means I shouldn’t include it next year, because now everyone will know how easy it is to make!

Also, just saying, it makes your house smell awesome.

Granola recipes are very adaptable. This is a combination that I find that I really enjoy. If you don’t like fruit, don’t add it. If you prefer all Maple syrup instead of the honey/maple combination, give it a try. Many people add nuts. I just find I don’t love the nuts with my yogurt.

The point is, like most recipes, I recommend you follow the instructions once. Learn the basics from that first go, and then make it your own! You won’t believe how easy it is to put together and how quickly you’ll munch it up. Also, if you don’t have or don’t like almond extract, feel free to omit it. I like the addition. But when you first put it in the mix, it will smell overpowering. But don’t worry, once the granola cooks, it mellows out and blends in nicely. So don’t worry.

Enjoy!

Granola

• 3 cups oats
• 6 TB dark brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 TB honey
• 3 TB maple syrup
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 cup craisins
• 1/2 cup dried apricots

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, mix wet ingredients. Mix all together and then put on parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 300 degrees. Stir and cook for 7-12 minutes more until lightly browned.

Remove from oven and toss the granola with the fruit. Leave on baking sheet to cool. Granola will harden as it cools.