Raisin and Cranberry Granola

As you probably already know, I’m a huge believer in breakfast being the most important meal of the day. It’s difficult for me to think of a morning that passed me by where I didn’t sit down to a heaping bowl of cereal with a glass of orange juice and another one of coffee. However, if we don’t have cereal on hand (*gasp*), I opt for toast or, my husband’s little concoction, a bagel with cream cheese topped with tomato slices, salt and pepper.

Then there are other days when I like to change up my breakfast routine and sit down to a yogurt parfait or a big bowl of vanilla yogurt topped with dried fruit and granola. The crunchy texture mixed with the smooth yogurt is a nice way to enjoy a healthy and filling meal that gives me a great start to the morning.

One of the best things about granola is that it lasts for a very long time and it can even be great to give as a gift. If you decide to make a large batch of granola, pour some into a mason jar, close the lid with a square of fabric, tie a pretty little bow around the whole ensemble and attach a note to the bow. This makes for a perfect hostess gift, new-to-the-neighborhood gift or gift to give to your loved ones as a nice gesture. Your family, as well as your friends and extended family, will be able so enjoy this delicious, flavorful and crunchy granola for breakfast or as a healthy snack.

Raisin and Cranberry Granola

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Spread the oats evenly on a baking sheet and place the oats in the oven to toast them for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the oats and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Mix together the honey, slivered almonds, vegetable oil, cinnamon and salt. Pour the toasted oats into this mixture and mix thoroughly.
4. Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the oat and honey mixture evenly across the pan.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the mixture turns to a golden brown color. When this occurs, remove the sheet from the oven and allow to cool completely.
6. Place granola into a plastic bag, add the dried fruit and shake the bag to break up the large chunks of granola.

What’s your favorite breakfast food?

* Recipe slightly adapted from Trails.com