Tropical Fruit Granola

Course: Mornings

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 2 15

Servings: cups

Tropical fruits make this unique granola the perfect addition to yogurt, parfaits, or just as a snack.

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats*
2 cups coconut flakes sweetened or unsweetened
1 cup each chopped, shelled pistachios, almonds, pecans, and chopped walnuts*
1 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup good quality honey
1 tsp rum extract optional
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of kosher salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup each dried bananas, dried cherries, dried mango, dried pineapple, sultanas (golden raisins)

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with a silicone mat or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, coconut flakes, and nuts. In a medium-size, microwavable bowl, heat the honey until it is runny. Whisk in the oil, extracts, salt and cinnamon until smooth.
Pour the honey sauce over the oat mixture and toss to combine, and coat, thoroughly. Pour the oats onto the sheet pan and spread out into an even layer.
Bake the oats for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
Remove the oats from the oven and allow to cool for another hour, once again, stirring every 15 minutes to cool evenly.
Toss in the dried fruits and serve, or store, in an airtight container, for up to a week.

*Do not use quick-cooking or instant oatmeal

* Any variation of nuts can be used. You can also omit the nuts altogether, just replace them with additional oats and coconut.

* This recipe can be divided in half for a smaller yield.