Granola, Cinnamon-Raisin

This is a very simple recipe for granola--it is crumbly and not very chunky.  It is easy to make and contains inexpensive and basic ingredients.  It's great to use in a yogurt, granola, and fruit parfait.  We also like to add it to cold cereal--it adds a bit of a "bunch of oats" flavor.  The kids will also eat it plain or in a bowl with milk.  It doesn't last long around here (even when I make a 3x or 4x batch)!

Granola, Cinnamon-Raisin

4 cups old-fashioned or quick oats

1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

¼ cup packed brown sugar

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup honey

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1½ tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Measure oats and coconut into a large bowl, stir, and set aside. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, oil, honey and cinnamon; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture; stir to coat. Spread in a large, shallow baking pan.

Here it is, ready to go in the oven...

Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. (It may take longer--bake until lightly toasted.)  Cool. Add raisins, if desired. Store in a zip top bag or an airtight container.

Tiffany's Note: I like the coconut in this--but I also make it without.  The coconut adds sweetness, texture, and moisture.  I also usually don't add the dried fruit.  Family members can add the fruit to their bowls as they desire.  A triple batch will easily fit on two large cookie sheets. 

This recipe was originally found on allrecipes.com.