Fruit and Nut Granola

In an effort to get the year off to a healthy start, I went looking for a recipe for home made granola. There are a ton of recipes out there, so I did a little bit of picking and choosing what appealed to me. The final result was sweet, crunchy and very fruity.

Fruit and Nut Granola

In a large bowl, mix together:

6 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup shredded coconut

In a medium sauce pan over low - medium heat, combine:

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup vegitable oil

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

Cook until sugar is melted and the ingredients are well combined.

Pour sugar mixture over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.

Spread onto a large cookie sheet or shallow baking dish and bake at 300 degrees for approx. 40 minutes, stiring every 5-10 minutes, until the mixture is dry.

Remove from the oven and cool completely. Then stir in 2 cups of dried fruit:

raisins

dried cranberries

chopped apricots

I think that dried apples would be wonderful, but I didn't have any on hand.

Enjoy!