Robot Heart Recipes

Luau Granola
Makes about 6 cups

Granola is one of those things that once you make a homemade version it seems silly to ever buy it again. (Think salad dressing). It is super quick and easy to put together, and is certainly cheaper than purchasing the store-bought variety. (Seek out ingredients in a well-stocked bulk section for the biggest savings). It also makes a great gift. This particular granola mixture does have a decent amount of sugar, but at least it hails from natural sources and not the refined sort likely found in cereal boxes.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons butter

6 tablespoons lite coconut milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped dried pineapple

1/2 cup chopped dried mango

1/2 cup chopped dried papaya

INSTRUCTIONS

Step One: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Combine honey, maple syrup, butter, coconut milk, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.

Step Two: In a large bowl, mix oats, coconut, and salt. Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir.

Step Three: Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet and spread granola evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from oven, stir and add dried fruit. Return to oven and toast an additional 10 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Step Four: Remove from oven and cool before transferring to airtight glass containers for storage.

Source: Adapted from “Easy Granola,” Body + Soul, December 2009 and “Mango, Banana, and Macadamia-Nut Granola,” Body + Soul, June 2005. View the “Easy Granola” recipe on WholeLiving.com. View the “Mango, Banana, and Macadamia-Nut Granola” recipe on WholeLiving.com.