SANDRA'S HOMEMADE GRANOLA CLUSTERS

My favorite homemade
granola ingredient combo to date
~ this is a keeper!

Yields: (Appx. 4-1/4 cups)

Prep: 15 Mins.

Bake: 30 Mins.

INGREDIENTS

1st -- Pulse in food processor until half its size:

1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick cooking)

2nd -- Pulse in food processor until the size of the 'pulsed oats'

1/4 cup whole candied pecans

1/4 cup whole walnuts

1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds

1/4 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup dried cranberries 

1/4 cup shredded, sweet coconut

3rd -- Final addition:

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-*3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted (takes about 40 seconds in the microwave on High)

Fine-grain kosher salt, to taste

Granola serving options, add:

--Milk for cereal

--Yogurt and fresh fruit for a layered parfait

--Snack-size Ziploc bag for snacking on the go (feel free to add chocolate chips, M&M's, etc.)

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a 14x17" rimmed baking pan (makes for easier stirring, as you'll read below) with parchment paper; set aside.

Add 1st Pulse the old-fashioned oats to the food processor and process until 1/2 its size, or to your desired texture. Pour into a large bowl. (No need to clean out processor at this point.) -- Add the 2nd Pulse ingredients to the food processor and process until the size of the 'pulsed' oats (if you desire softer texture cranberries, pulse separately and hold aside to add after baking).  Pour this mixture also into the bowl with the oats.

Add to the bowl the final addition of ingredients, folding together to fully combine. Pour mixture into prepared baking pan, and spread out in an even layer -- do not compact.

Bake for 30 minutes, tossing with a fork at 10-minute intervals to ensure nuts do not burn.

Remove from oven, let granola cool completely in pan (add reserved cranberries if you chose to not bake them).

Crumble into clusters. Store granola in a tightly closed container(s), e.g., mason jar(s) at room temperature in a cool, dark place (1-2 months), or freeze for extended storage (3-6 months). Be sure to label and date each container/jar.

Serve as a cereal, layer in a parfait, or take it on the road with you as a 'trail-mix-type' snack. ~ Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tip:

*For larger clusters, simply add a bit more melted coconut oil where listed to do so in recipe.