Nuts about homemade granola

You know, the thing about believing that you can make everything at home is that .. you just do! I wanted to have fruit parfait for breakfast. And, I simply love the crunchy topping of granola on them. I am sure parfaits would not be half as delicious without that oats-y goodness.

Now, I could have gone and bought a pack of Bare Naked Granola, which, I hear is the best in the market but then (a) I find them pretty expensive and (b) Why would I not make it myself ?! After all, it is super simple to make at home.

To be truthful, the idea has been in my head ever since I saw Giada make it on one of her episodes. Besides, I think they make a great, healthy snack. So this was my chance! I actually went with one of Ina Garten's recipes rather than the one I saw. Well, basically because Giada used a lot more stuff than were in my pantry and also it had more sweeteners. I wanted to make it as healthy as possible.

So I adapted the recipe from here. I substituted the cherries with raisins (I don't usually keep dry cherries at home). You can use or add any other dried fruit you want, like apricots, cranberries etc. And the same with nuts; use whatever you like and is on hand.

Coconut, Nuts and Raisin Granola

1 cup old fashion oats (not the instant ones)
1/2 cup sweetened grated coconut ( if all you have is plan coconut, use an extra tablespoon of honey)
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup raisins
1 T maple syrup
1.5 T honey
1 T vegetable oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix together the oats, coconut, almonds and raisins. Pour the oil, honey and maple syrup over the mixture. Sprinkle half the cinnamon and toss everything together so the oats and nuts are all coated with the liquids.

Spread onto a baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown evenly, until the mixture is golden brown.

Remove and cool for a few minutes. Store the completely cooled granola in an airtight container.