Homemade Granola

Cherry. Chocolate. Walnut. Almond. Honey. Coconut. YUMMY!

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded coconut
2/3 cup walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
3 tbsp canola oil
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt
1 cup dried cherries
4 oz. bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

 Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coconut to the pan in an even layer and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and toasted. Transfer to a bowl and wipe out the pan. Return the pan to the heat and add the chopped walnuts and almonds. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the oats and canola oil and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the oat mixture to a large bowl and stir in the honey, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt. Spread out onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake, stirring every few minutes, until the granola is light golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Stir in the toasted coconut and dried cherries. Move the granola to one side of the baking sheet and press gently into a thick slab. Let cool to room temperature.

Break the dried and cooled granola into small clusters, mix in the chopped chocolate, and store in an airtight container. Serve over plain yogurt or milk.

Source: adapted from America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook