Recipe: Coconut Granola

From the Vitality Food Feature ‘COCONUT CRAVINGS‘.

Store granola in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze for up to 6 months. Use this healthy cereal mix in muffins and as a base for tarts and bars.
(Makes 6 cups)

Ingredients

• 2 rimmed baking pans, lightly oiled
• 4 cups large flake rolled oats
• 1/2 cup natural bran or bran flakes cereal
• 2 cups shredded or flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup soft coconut oil
• 1/3 cup coconut nectar or liquid honey
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cherries

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. On one prepared baking pan, spread oats and bran.
3. On the remaining pan, spread coconut, almonds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.
4. Stagger the sheets in preheated oven and toast for 8 minutes.
5. Remove nuts and seeds from oven and let cool. Stir grains and continue toasting for another 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat coconut oil, nectar and cinnamon over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until simmering.
7. Turn off heat and let sit on burner to keep warm.
8. Transfer toasted grains to a large bowl. Stir in toasted seeds and nuts.
9. Drizzle with warm nectar mixture. Add apricots, raisins and cherries and stir lightly to mix and coat evenly. Let cool.