granola making

 

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Fruit-and-Seed Holiday Granola

            1 stick unsalted butter

            1/2 cup light brown sugar (we used coconut sugar)

            1/4 cup honey or agave (we used agave)

            1 teaspoon cinnamon

            1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

            1/2 teaspoon salt

            3 3/4 cups rolled oats (12 ounces)

            1 cup shaved unsweetened coconut

            1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

            1/2 cup raw pepitas

            2 cups mixed dried fruit, such as cranberries, golden raisins, and cherries

1   Preheat the oven to 275°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, agave, cinnamon, vanilla and salt and bring to a simmer, stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Let cool slightly.

2  In a very large bowl, toss the oats with the coconut and seeds. Add the warm brown sugar mixture and stir to coat thoroughly. Spread the granola on the baking sheet and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden.

3   Add dried fruit, stir into the granola. Let cool completely; the granola will crisp as it cools.

MAKE AHEAD The granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Recrisp in a 275° oven for 15 minutes if necessary.