Tamra Davis Granola

I woke up this morning ready to charge forward into the new year and tackle my to do list for the day. Seeing that bag of rolled oats in my pantry gave me the idea to make a batch of crunchy and sweet granola. It was exactly what I wanted.
Granola with yogurt and berries is one of my husband's favorite breakfasts. But being an avid reader of ingredient labels, I know mostly every granola on the market is loaded with extra sugar and often unhealthy oils. I was really excited to discover a healthier version using apple juice and maple syrup created by Tamra Davis. Her cooking show videos are so fun and she always comes up with wholesome recipes that are delicious for kids and adults alike. Check her out and get more recipes at www.tamradaviscookingshow.com
Once I made this granola I realized how easy it is to make my own. Save yourself the extra sugar and fat...and money! I made mine with walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and apricots. Play around with your favorite flavors like orange and ginger, apple and pecan and cinnamon raisin. Here's to your health in 2011! xox Leigh

Granola
Time: 20 min Serves: 10-12 (Makes 6 cups)

Ingredients:
3 cups of organic oats
1 cup of shredded coconut (sweetened or not)
1 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts or pecans)
½ cup of seeds (sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds)
½ teaspoon of salt
½ a cup of honey or maple syrup
1/3 a cup of expeller-pressed canola, grapeseed or coconut oil (not virgin)
¼ cup of apple or orange juice
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup of chopped dried fruit (raisins, dried apricots, apples, cranberries…)

1. Heat oven to 350.
2. Add all the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
3. Add the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl and mix.
4. Pour wet over dry and coat thoroughly. Lay the granola flat and even in a shallow pan (best is a heavy duty baking sheet with edges). Make sure it is not more than one inch thick or you may need to use two pans.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes, checking after about 10 minutes and giving it a stir. Keep watching it- it can burn fast! Transfer back to the bowl and stir in dried fruit once it’s cooled a bit. Serve with your favorite milk or yogurt. Store the rest in an airtight jar.