Crafty Recipe - Homemade Granola Mix by Wen Zientek-Sico Granola mix is easy to make at home and is much more inexpensive than the purchased brands. It tastes better too! It makes a great gift for Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just to thank a special someone.

Homemade Granola Mix

Granola from the store is so expensive, and cannot even begin to compare to how wonderful homemade granola tastes. You can also avoid including any preservatives or additives and can customize the ingredients to your specific tastes. Let the pretty colors and textures of the granola show by packaging it in cellophane bags or clear bottles.

3 cups regular oats (not instant)
1 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup sunflower seed kernels
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
pinch salt
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a large jelly roll pan. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, almonds, coconut, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Set aside. In a small saucepan melt the butter and honey together until smooth. Remove from the heat and mix in the cinnamon, extracts, and salt. Toss the honey mixture with the oats mixture and coat evenly. Scrape the mixture onto the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool. Add the raisins and cranberries to the pan, and stir well to mix. Store the granola in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Makes about 7 cups granola.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes