‘Tis the season of edible gifts. Trays of cookies, plates of fudge, and chocolate-covered anything abound. No offense to Christmas cookies, but sometimes it’s nice to give (or receive) an edible gift than is a bit healthier. I’m not advocating passing out a stalks of kale tied with a bow to your neighbors or gifting your kid’s teacher a bag of coconut flour, but might I kindly suggest gifting this recipe. It comes together quickly and, as a gift to you, makes your house smell amazing as it slowly bakes.
Maple Cinnamon Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit
(makes about 9 cups)
Ingredients
- 4 c. rolled oats
- 2 c. crispy rice cereal
- 1 c. sliced almonds
- 3/4 c. chopped pecans
- 3/4 c. shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 c. raisins
- 1/2 c. dried cranberries
- 1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 3/4 c. oil
- 3/4 c. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Directions
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, syrup, and vanilla. Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and stir gently to coat.
- Place granola into a greased 9″ x 13″ pan. Push down any raisins or cranberries that are on top to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely before packaging.
This can easily be made gluten-free by using certified GF oats and rice cereal. It’s also dairy free and vegan.
I made three batches of this granola to pass along to our neighbors. I’m hoping it makes up for our—ahem—quirky dog who barks loudly from the window each time a neighbor dares to walk on our sidewalk and barks even louder if we pass them on a walk. If our dog dares get any—ahem—quirkier, I’ll be handing out full meals next year as a peace offering. I’ll just avoid the bow-tied kale.
