Granola

May 02, 2007

Makes about 12 cups

3/4 cup dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon honey 3/4 cup water 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 8 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons flaxseed (optional) 1 1/2 tablespoons wheat germ (optional) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup blanched sliced almonds 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut 1 cup dried cherries 1. Set the oven at 300 degrees. Have on hand 2 rimmed baking sheets.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, water, oil, salt, and vanilla. Set over medium-low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. In an extra-large bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, flaxseed and wheat germ, if using, walnuts, almonds, and coconut. Toss gently. Pour the sugar mixture over the oat mixture and toss until well combined.

4. Spread the granola on the baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes.

5. Stir the granola and rotate the sheets front to back and top to bottom. Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until the granola is golden brown (total cooking time is 40 minutes).

6. Set the sheets on wire racks. Sprinkle the granola with the cherries and toss the mixture again; leave to cool.

7. Store in plastic containers for up to several weeks. -- Jill Santopietro