ingredients:

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup shredded dried coconut

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

1/2 cup wheat bran

1 cup whole nuts toasted & chopped ( unsalted, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews...)

1/3 cup canola oil

1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup  or unsweetened apple juice

1 scant tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. pure almond extract

1 cup chopped assorted dried fruits, any combination you like. (apricots, prunes, cherries, dates, raisins, craisins, figs...)

Directions:

1.) preheat oven to 350F. In a medium sized bowl, mix oats, coconut, wheat germ, bran, and toasted nuts.

2.) to prepare the granola, in a small saucepan, heat the oil, over low heat. Add honey or other sweetener, and stir until combined. Heat until just hot throughough and then stir in the cinnamon. Let heat a few seconds to release the flavor of the spice. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Pour this over the dry mixture and stir well to combine.

3.) To bake: pour the granola onto a large shallow baking sheet and bake, stirring every 5 minutes or so, until the mixture is golden throughout. This will take 15-20 minutes. If using apple juice, bake for 20-25 minutes. 

4.) To complete and store: stir dried fruit into hot granola mixture and let cool thoroughly. (once cool, the granola will feel crisp) Scrap off of pan and place in an airtight container and store at room temperature.

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