Laced with cranberries, oranges, and holiday spices, this yummy granola will put you in a festive mood. Make it for yourself—I like it over fruit and yogurt—or put it in cellophane bags, tie the bags with pretty ribbon, and use it for gift-giving. (You might also like 5 reasons to give an edible gift, plus tons of recipe ideas.)
Makes about 6 1/2 cups
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/4 cups (4 ounces) sliced almonds
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 6 tablespoons brown rice syrup or light corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons sunflower, safflower, grapeseed, or other neutral-flavored oil
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped dried orange slices (see note)
Preheat an oven to 300°F.
Arrange the oats on a large, rimmed baking sheet and bake until the lightly toasted, about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the almonds, coconut, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves. In a small bowl, combine the syrup and oil.
Stir the toasted oats into the almond mixture. Add the syrup mixture, stirring to thoroughly combine.
Spread the granola evenly onto the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Use a spatula to loosen the granola on the pan, then set aside to cool.
Stir in the cranberries and oranges, then store in an airtight container.
NOTE You can find dried oranges on Amazon and sometimes at Trader Joe's.