CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA

By mm_food4me

This granola goes beyond just crunchy and is almost crispy. The vanilla and maple flavors really shine through and the little bites of cherry add some chewy fruity tartness that sets it apart. You could substitute the almonds, cherries and vanilla and using a different sweetener should give it a different character as well.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats (not quick cook oats)
• 1/2 cup wheat germ
• 1/2 C almonds
• 1/2 C coconut flakes
• 2 Tbs butter (or canola oil if you want to go healthier)
• 2 Tbs dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 C chopped dried cherries

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 275 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment paper.

Add the oats, wheat germ, almonds and coconut to a large bowl.

Microwave the butter and brown sugar until the butter is melted. Add the maple syrup and vanilla and stir to combine. Dump this into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined and the granola starts to clump together.

Spread the mixture evenly over the lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

Stir, breaking up any large clusters of granola and add the cherries. Return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until the granola is golden brown.