Cranberry Orange granola

 

This Granola is perfect to take with you on hikes or camping trips.  It has the same base recipe as my Mango Ginger granola and is just as easy to make.

4 cups rolled oats

pinch of salt

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup chopped pecans

1 tbsp zested orange peel (about 1 orange)

1/2 tsp orange extract

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup brown sugar

First put the oats, salt, cranberries, pecans, and orange zest in a large glass bowl.

In a large sauce pan add the brown sugar, vegetable oil, and honey.  cook on medium until the mixture is boiling and the oil is mixed with the brown sugar.  Remove from the heat and add the orange extract.  Be careful when you do this because the mixture can splash a little bit.  Hot syrup does not feel good on your hands....trust me.  Quickly stir the extract in and then add to your oat mixture.  Try to do this fast because the syrup will start to harden and make it hard to mix.

Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F.  Spread the granola evenly onto a cookie sheet  and cook for about 15 minutes.  Make sure you are stirring the granola every 5 minutes to make sure it is evenly cooked.  When the granola is done the oats will be browned and the mixture will still be soft.  Place it on the counter and let it cool.  When the granola cools it hardens, store it in an air tight container or zip lock bag.

This granola has a nice citrus after taste which goes well with plain yogurt and honey, or just something to snack on this summer while your working on the garden.