Sunday, September 19, 2010

Vanilla coconut granola

I love granola and few things come close to it's decadent aroma. Shear heaven on earth and the beast part is it's a treat you can feel good about. I serve this with milk for breakfast, or sprinkle it on yogurt or ice cream!  Also I double it, it goes fast around here.

*Please read the whole recipe before beginning you don't just throw all the ingredients into a bowl!*

Ingredients

vegetable oil cooking spray  (pam)


4 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup shredded coconut (if you are being healthy go for unsweetened)

1 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup golden brown sugar, packed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons sugar

4 teaspoons vanilla extract
 
Directions
 
Position rack to middle of oven and preheat to 300*.
 
2 Lightly spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray.
 
Mix next 5 ingredients in large bowl.
 
Combine oil, honey and sugar in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat.
 
Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.
 
Pour hot liquid over oat mixture; stir well.
 
Using hands, toss mixture until thoroughly mixed.
 
Spread granola on prepared baking sheet. 
 
Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes (but check after 20). I like a soft baked granola (20 min) so bake it according to your liking. 
 
Transfer sheet to rack; cool granola completely.

(Can be made two weeks ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

Makes about 8 cups.

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