Kris Larkin

With the Christmas and Holiday season being so busy, we all need good protein-packed fuel.  How else will you ever get done . . . Christmas Programs at the kids’ schools . . . shopping . . . special time with friends and relatives . . . more special programs at the kids’ schools . . . more shopping . . . you get the idea.

My Honey Almond Granola definitely fills the bill . . . it’s protein-packed . . . it tastes delightful and it’s easy to make . . . and the extra bonus . . . it will keep for a while!

I know you are busy so let’s get right into making our Honey Almond Granola!

HONEY ALMOND GRANOLA

PREP: 35 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES
OVEN TEMP: 325 DEGREES
YIELDS: 9-10 CUPS

Ingredients

•     vegetable oil cooking spray
•     4 cups old fashioned oats, not quick-cooking
•     1 cup oat bran
•     2 cups whole almonds, coarsely chopped
•     3/4 cup vegetable oil
•     3/4 cup honey
•     1 tablespoon vanilla extract
•     1/2 teaspoon almond extract
•     1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
•     1/2 teaspoon salt
•     1 cup raisins

Directions

1.    Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat oven to 325°.
2.    Spray two baking sheets with vegetable oil spray or line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3.    In a large bowl mix the oats, bran, and almonds.
4.    In a smaller bowl, whisk the oil, honey vanilla, almond extract, dry milk powder, and salt.
5.   Pour the mixture (it will be gloppy) over the oats and stir, with your hands or a spoon, until well combined.
6.   Divide the mixture between the two oiled baking sheets and spread in an even layer.
7.   Bake for twenty minutes, stir the granola and switch the positions of the pans.
8.   Bake until the oats are golden brown and almonds look well toasted another 10 to 20 minutes; don’t overcook.
9.   Let cool completely in the pans.
10.  The oats may feel soft but will get crisp as they cool.
11. When completely cool, stir in raisins.

The granola will keep for about 3 weeks if it lasts that long!

Now the best part . . . ENJOY!!

As always, thank you for the blessing of sharing my passion of cooking and serving others.  Stay tuned for more great Christmas/Holiday recipes!

Kris