Nut ‘n’ Fruit Granola

Name: Nut 'n' Fruit Granola
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 9 cups.
Ingredients: 4 cups old-fashioned oats; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower kernels; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup dried mixed fruit; 1 cup raisins; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; MIlk, optional

After a friend brought this crunchy fruit-filled treat on a camping trip, I requested the recipe and lightened it up. It's great on its own, but try it over low-fat yogurt or with milk, too. -Rachel Dandeneau of Dummer, New Hampshire

Ingredients

4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower kernels
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons canola oil
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup dried mixed fruit
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
MIlk, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, orange juice, oil, cinnamon and salt; cook and stir over medium heat for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture; stir to coat.
Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring 3-4 times. Cool on a wire rack.
Place oat mixture in a large bowl. Stir in the dried fruit, raisins and cranberries. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. Serve with milk if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 237 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat.

Originally published as Nut 'n' Fruit Granola in Light & Tasty February/March 2004