As a mother, I am always looking for healthy snack alternatives to give to my children. A few years ago, my aunt shared her homemade granola recipe with me. If you want to make it really healthy, use organic ingredients. This recipe is easy to make and will last for a few weeks in an airtight container.
Healthy Granola and Fruit Snack Recipe
7 3/4 cups rolled oats (oatmeal)
2 1/2 cups chopped peanuts
2 cups sunflower seeds
1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups raisins
1 cup dried apricots (diced or sliced)
1/2 cup dried banana chips
Note: you can substitute the dried fruits with ones that you personally enjoy.
In a large baking dish, combine the oats, peanuts, sunflower seeds and coconut and mix ingredients together well. In a microwave safe dish, melt butter, stir in honey and vanilla extract. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle sugar mixture over the oat mixture that is in the baking pan. Pour the melted butter mixture over top and stir to combine all ingredients in the pan. Place baking dish in a 275 degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in the raisins, apricots and banana chips. Place back into the oven for 5 additional minutes. Remove from the oven and spread over a large cookie sheet lined with a silicone non-stick baking mat. Let cool for 30-45 minutes, store granola mixture in an airtight container.