A few years back I started making this granola as a holiday gift for friends and family. It was received with so much enthusiasm that I decided to make it our annual thing. This year, the kids were old enough to help out and I discovered that not only is this easy to make, fairly healthy and super tasty, but the kids can help too! An added bonus. Here's what I do, but the truth is, you can tailor this to your taste. If you don't like coconut, take it out and add walnuts or raisins instead. The possibilities are endless!
5 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup pepitas (hulled pumkin seeds)
combine the above ingredients in a large bowl, then in another bowl (or cup), combine:
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup water
pour over the oat mixture and stir until evenly moistened.
spray a large roasting pan with cooking spray and add oat mixture.
bake at 275F for 45 minutes, remove from oven and stir, then bake another 45 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
If you are going to add raisins or other dried fruit, wait until it's done cooking and add it at the end. Cool completely and store.
Pack it up, add a cute gift tag, and you've got a nice homemade gift for friends and family!
