Granola

(picture and recipe from bakedbree.com)

4 cups oats (preferably not quick cooking, but that is what I had, I also prefer Irish Oatmeal)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup honey
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup pepitas
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup dried cherries (I have some dried strawberries in here as well, I was trying to use up some of the other dried fruit in my pantry)

In a large bowl, (it needs to be pretty big, as you are going to be tossing this) combine the oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nuts, and coconut.

In another bowl, combine the oil, honey, and vanilla.

Pour the liquids into the oats and toss well.Spread the granola out on a parchment lined baking sheet.  You clump it up at this point if you like.  I like chunks of granola so I leave big globs on the parchment.

Bake the granola in a preheated 300 degree oven for about 40 minutes.  Every 10 minutes or so, give it a stir.  You want the granola to dry out and the nuts to toast.
Add the dried fruit to the pan and stir it in.  Let the granola cool and keep in an airtight container for a week up to 10 days.

This granola is so yum-o! I made it for some Christmas presents and had some requests for the recipe. I will actually be making some more in the morning.

some other combo's i plan to make soon: maple pecan, cinnamon apple, peanut butter chocolate chip, banana walnut