Mod Apron

I did it, guys. I finally got around to making a big batch of granola. I even made enough to surprise the neighbors with. [Insert proud face here.]

Here’s my recipe, if you’re interested:

Ingredients:

• 6 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup chopped and whole nuts (any combination of walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc. - whatever you like; I usually use walnuts and almonds)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (pumpkin seeds can be substituted)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon (or more if you like cinnamon!)
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup walnut oil (canola or sunflower will work just fine too)
• 1/2 to 1 cup maple syrup (depends on how sweet you like your granola)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped dried fruit (any combination of raisins, apricots, dates, cranberries, etc.)

Directions:

1. Oven 375.
2. Mix the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated.
3. Stir in oil, maple syrup and vanilla.
4. Spread granola mixture evenly on 2 large baking sheets.
5. Bake, taking care to stir well every 3-4 minutes. This is really important because the maple syrup will make the granola burn fast. 
6. The granola is done when it is dried out and begins to turn golden. You can tell when it is getting close because the granola will slide around easily on the pan when stirred. (My usual cooking time is around 30 minutes total, including stirring time.)
7. Pour hot granola into a very large bowl and fold in dried fruit. Stir thoroughly.
8. Allow granola to cool completely, stirring up every so often as it cools down.
9. Once granola is completely cooled, store in a well-sealed jar or container.

Enjoy with milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, ice cream, smoothies, or on its own as a snack. Makes about 8 cups. Yum!