Granola

Bedtime snack or breakfast cereal? Both! I don't use shredded coconut for my granola. I like the look and texture of toasted chipped or flaked coconut in this. To toast coconut, spread the flakes on a baking sheet in a 300F oven. Stir every 5 minutes or so. When the coconut starts to get some brown around the edges, it's done. My favorite nuts in this granola are a mix of sliced almonds and chopped macadamia nuts. It lends itself to endless variations. I'm not a fan of raisins or other dried fruits, so I generally leave them out. 4 cups oats 1 cup flaked coconut 1 cup nuts, coarsely chopped or sliced 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/2 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup dried fruits (optional) Preheat oven to 300F and place rack in center of oven. Line a good sized baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut, nuts, and salt. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in the honey, syrup, and vanilla. Toss gently to make sure all dry ingredients are coated with the butter mixture. Spread on the baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring every five minutes. Do not overbake. Spread on a fine mesh wire rack to cool. The granola will be sticky when it comes from the oven, but becomes crisp and dry as it cools. When it is completely cooled, stir in your choice of dried fruit. Store in an airtight container or plastic bag.