{just for you} - granola to share

I think granola is one of the best gifts to give. I have been know to make some bags out of parchment paper and tie it with kitchen twine - darling. Who wouldn't want to receive something like that. This is a great treat to give over the holidays when we are inundated with sweets. Kids love making this too. enjoy!

great granola by ann west

3/4 cups canola oil

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 cup brown sugar

1 tbls vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

8 cups old-fashioned rolled oats - not instant!

1/2 cup or so sunflower seeds

1/2 - 3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 c almonds roughly chopped

1 cup dried apricots - chopped

3/4 cup dried cherries - chopped

1/2 - 3/4 cup golden raisins

sesame seeds (optional)

pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a sauce pan heat the oil, honey, syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir until sugar dissolves. In another large bowl combine the oats, sunflower seed, coconut and almonds. Pour the warm mixture over it and stir. (warning don't add the fruit yet it will burn and stick). Spread the mixture on a jelly roll pan lined with parchment and bake for 20 minutes stirring several time. The granola should be a deep golden brown. Cool and then loosen with a spatula. Cool completely before adding the fruit. Toss together. enjoy!