Crunchy Kismet Granola

I’ ve been making a lot of granola over the last year. My kids love it and it’s really easy to make. Because I have made it so often, I have modified a few granola recipes and now have it exactly the way we like it. I call it Crunchy Kismet Granola.

I made a couple of big batches today to give away to family members over Thanksgiving. Some of the family we haven’t seen in quite a while (coming all the way from Australia) and we are very excited to be able to catch up with them.  Here is my recipe if you’d like to try it out:

4 cups rolled oats
2 cups mixed seeds and nuts
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup dried fruit

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In large bowl combine oats, nuts, seeds, salt and brown sugar. Add oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Mix thouroughly. Spread mixture onto oiled baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle dried fruit on top. For a finer crumb, stir 15 minutes into baking time and immediately after removing from oven. For chunky pieces, do not stir during baking period and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before breaking into pieces

I made two versions. Crunchy Cranberry (sunflower seed, almonds, cranberries and papitas) and Cherry Nut (dried cherries, walnuts, sunflower seeds and cashews). They are both very yummy. You can make any combination you like.

Now I have to share a surprise package that I recieved today!! (I love when that happens). It’s from my good friend Rebecca of The Painted Pear. I love eveything she gave me, especially the ceramic pears. The very thick potholder will come in super handy too. Mine are a bit burnt and yucky looking. And don’t you just love the buttons. I already have special plans for them.

I also have to share this watercolor pear that she gave me a year ago. It sits with me in my craft room. I love it so much. Thank you Rebecca! You are the best!

It is things like this that make me super thankful for my friends–close, far away, “imaginary” and real. Having you all out there, sharing in the same passions means so much to me.