My Sister-In-Law is Craving My Granola

As my siblings and I have become older and our families have grown bigger, we've coordinated a plan for gift giving. I provide some sort of food based gift, my brother is a liquor giver and my sister will craft a gift. For example, Christmas one year we all got a handmade Christmas count down decoration made from a wooden pallet from my sister. I love it! You may have seen a hot chocolate video on my Instagram page using the Horchata my brother gave me. Click here for a link to the page.

Two years ago, my brother had his first baby and instead of a gift for the baby, my sister and I created a "New Mommy and Daddy Menu." We came up with several dishes for them to choose from. This granola and cookies were additional items they would receive on top of the four meals. This was Allie's shower gift and the food was delivered to them when the baby was born.

This idea is what sort of set in motion the way we give gifts today. This particular gift is what has my sister-in-law, Allie, requesting granola for just about every gift giving event.

Ryan and Allie have just popped out baby #2 and granola is back on the menu.

GRANOLA:

2 1/2 cups of old fashioned rolled oats, not the instant or quick cooking

1/2 cup chia seeds*

1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup pepitas, pumpkin seeds*

1/3 cup of sunflower seeds*

1/2 cup slivered almonds*

2 tablespoons of cinnamon*

1 teaspoon of kosher salt

1/2 cup of vegetable or canola oil or melted coconut oil

3/4 cup of honey

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1/2 cup of dried fruit, such as cranberries, currants or blueberries*

*Use any combination of nuts and seeds that you have on hand. Other ideas include; sesame seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, millet, wheat germ, or pecans. The types of dried fruits are also interchangeable. Try using dried apricots and raisins. For a little different flavor, replace the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix together the first 8 ingredients. In a small bowl whisk together the honey, oil and vanilla.

Add the honey mixture to the oats and combined thoroughly.

Transfer the wet granola and dump it all on the baking sheet. Spread the granola evenly and bake for 10 minutes.

Stir the granola around and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You are looking for a golden brown color. If you think it needs more time, add ten more minutes, but check the granola after 5 minutes and give it a good stir.

Let the granola cool completely and mix in the dried cranberries. Store the granola in an airtight container for up to a week.

Try this granola as your crunchies from the post, Yogurt: As Versatile as Tom Hanks. 

Great Holiday Gift Idea!