I love granola. It is the perfect go to snack-crunchy, sweet and-my favorite-it is always different. Every time I make granola, I change it up. I am that person that has a hard time eating the same thing twice, so this is a huge benefit to me. My kids love eating this as a snack, for breakfast, or even as a topping over their yogurt as an after dinner treat. They love helping me make it too, which is always fun. I think it is the notion that we can just throw in whatever we decide and then call it a recipe works for them. Hey-it works for me too! Check out our latest creation…it was a success! 
Trail Mix Granola
2 1/2 cups of oats
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 tsp cinnamon
4 tblsp butter, browned
1 cup of honey
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup coconut flakes or pieces (sweetened or unsweetened-your preference)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, cooked quinoa and cinnamon. Set aside. In a small saucepan, melt butter until slightly browned and nutty–do not burn! Remove from heat and whisk in honey and vanilla.
| I had to add this pic of my little guy “helping”. Believe it or not, this is his good picture taking smile (his opinion). |
Spread out evenly on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Take out and toss gently. Add walnuts to mixture and toss again. Place back into the oven and back for another 10 minutes. Stir again. Reduce oven temp to 300 degrees and bake for another 10 minutes. Granola should be lightly brown and toasty. Let cool on cookie sheet for 30 minutes. Pour into a bowl and add cherries, chocolate and coconut. Toss well. Serve with yogurt, mik, or eat by the handful. Store in sealed container at room temperature for up to a week.
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