Vanilla Almond Cherry Granola

Just in case you are not up on the current price of store-bought granolas, they are ridiculously expensive. Homemade granola has become something of a staple food for me. I love being able to control the proportions of nuts, fruit, and coconut, as well as the size and number of clusters. Honestly, homemade granola with Silk vanilla almond milk is like a dessert. Soooo good. I think I will have that for breakfast tomorrow, actually (dessert for breakfast, what could be better?).

If you're interested in other flavors and varieties of granola, I strongly suggest you follow the link under the recipe title. It is a great article and has so many different variations. Whether you are new to granola and would like some guidance, or if you are a Granola Master and are looking for some inspiration, the NYTimes article has it.

Almond Cherry Vanilla Granola

Adapted from USA Weekend

This recipe is great because it makes just enough for me to have it around for about 2 weeks, then it's all gone and I get a chance to try a new flavor variation.

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup milled flax seed

1 Tbs. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

2/3 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/4 cup maple syrup

3 Tbs. flavorless oil, such as vegetable or canola

1 Tbs. water

1 tsp. vanilla

Adjust oven rack to middle position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch metal pan with cooking spray, then set aside. Mix oats, wheat germ, flax seed, brown sugar, salt, almonds, and coconut in a bowl. Bring syrup, oil, water and vanilla indicated below to a simmer in a saucepan over low heat. Drizzle over oat mixture, and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto prepared pan. Working a handful at a time, squeeze cereal to form small clumps (do not skip this, it's what makes those delicious clusters). Bake for 30 minutes. Stir in cherries. Continue to bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let cool.

Granola can be stored in an airtight tin for up to two weeks, although it never lasts that long in my house.