Homemade Granola for the Holidays!

It's December 5th and I am thinking of what can be a handmade gift for the holidays that can be wrapped up and packaged to give to special friends and family near and far, kids that are away at school or working now and that special someone that will bring them cheer.  I think my handmade granola is the perfect idea!  It is full of wonderful ingredients that are great with milk, yogurt, ice cream or just a quick snack!

Homemade Granola

4 C. - Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

1/2 C. - Toasted Wheat Germ

2 C. - Unsalted Sliced Almonds

1/2 C. - Unsalted Pumpkins Seeds

1/2 C. - Unsalted Sunflower Seeds

3/4 C. - Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil

1/2 C. - Wildflower Honey (Wildflower, Orange etc.)

1 t.- Vanilla Extract

1 t.- Ground Cinnamon

1/4 t. - Ground Nutmeg

1 t. Kosher Salt

1 C. - Dried Cranberries

1 C. - Dried Cherries or combination with Dried Blueberries)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, toss the oats, wheat germ, almonds, and seeds.  In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.  Pour the liquids over the oat mixture and stir until all the oats and nuts are coated.  Pour onto a baking pan or sheet pan.  Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until all the mixture turns a nice and even golden brown - for about 45 minutes.

Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool - stirring occasionally   Add the dried fruits. Store the granola in an airtight container.

When ready to package for a gift, the granola can be put in old-fashioned jars of any size, a craft bag with a window to see through or a clear bag all tied with cute ribbon and a label.

Makes 10 to 12 cups 

Chef Tip:  If your oven cooks fast, lower the temperature to 300 degrees and stir every 10 minutes.  The granola need to be watched very carefully not to get to brown.  Otherwise, the recipe is very easy to make.
You can substitute your favorite nuts or dried fruits to your own individual preference.