I'm guessing that many of you have made homemade granola. (I'd love to hear your favorite add-ins.) Me? I've been meaning to do it for years, but yesterday was the first time I actually got around to it. Here's my recipe...
Cranberry Date Granola (about 10-12 servings)
granola base from Chow
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 c. raw sunflower seeds
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 c. honey
1/4 c. canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. dried cranberries
1/2 c. chopped dates
Preheat your oven to 300˚F. In a large bowl, combine oats, sunflower seeds, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, combine honey, canola oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. It's more effective and fun to do this part with your hands.
Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes. Remove from oven when the granola is light to medium golden brown. (Remember: it will still harden more as it cools.) Careful not to let it get too dark – it will taste burnt!
When the granola is completely cool, break it up and mix in the cranberries and chopped dates, then transfer to an airtight container and enjoy within two weeks.
p.s. for clumpier granola, try adding an egg white.
