Granola with Nuts and Dried Fruit

By Addie

"Use whatever nuts, seeds and dried fruit you like best. Great for gift giving around the holidays!

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 300 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Lightly coat two rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine oil, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Add oats and pecans; stir to combine. Divide mixture between sheets.

Bake 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir granola and bake until mixture is golden brown, 15 minutes. Stir granola and let cool a little and return to oven for 10 more minutes (for more crunch).

Let cool completely on sheets. Stir in dried fruit and chocolate chips, if desired.


Note - Store in airtight containers, up to 3 weeks. Also can be frozen for longer storage.

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REVIEW:

Made this recipe pretty much as given, using half dried apricots & half diced, dried apricots, & used a combo of almonds & walnuts as well, all for a very satisfying granola! Many thanks for sharing this great recipe!