Cranberry Coconut Granola

Homemade granola is so good, it's worth the little effort it takes to make it! And it really doesn't take that much time. If you haven't ever tried making homemade granola, this is a great recipe to try. It has a lot of healthy ingredients and is sweetened with honey, dried cranberries, and coconut flakes. This recipe makes a big batch and you can enjoy it just the way it is for a healthy snack. Or have it for breakfast as a cereal with milk or serve it over vanilla yogurt as a breakfast parfait. 

CRANBERRY COCONUT GRANOLA by Cottage Flavor, adapted from Allrecipes 

Makes about 20 servings

• 6 cups old-fashioned oats

• 1 cup sliced or slivered almonds

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds (optional)

• 1 cup wheat germ

• 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes (shredded coconut)

• 1 cup unsalted sunflower kernels

• 2/3 cup olive oil

• 1 1/4 cups honey

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups dried cranberries

Adjust oven rack to the middle of the oven and preheat to 325˚F. Line 2 rimmed cookie pans or one 13 x 18" rimmed baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.

In a very large bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, coconut, and sunflower kernels.

In small pan over medium heat, stir together the oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt; cook and stir until blended (you can also cook this mixture in the microwave using a large 2-cup glass measuring cup, heating for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds). 

Pour honey mixture over oat mixture in large bowl; stir to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer on prepared cookie sheets or large 13 x 18" pan.

Bake at 325˚F for 20 minutes; remove from oven, stir mixture for even baking, and return to oven for another 20 minutes (your total baking time will be 40 minutes). Remove from oven and stir in the dried cranberries. Let granola stand until cooled, then stir again to break up any large clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Have you made homemade granola before? What ingredients do you like to add to yours?