I first made this cherry, prune, and almond granola in January as a way to use up leftover Christmas prunes. It was so deliciously chunky, chewy, and sweet, that I have made it several times since. Enjoy it for breakfast with low-fat or skim milk or sprinkled on top of your favorite yogurt or cottage cheese.
For your Mother's Day, breakfast, let your guests decide how they'd like to enjoy it. Pour the granola is a pretty bowl with a serving spoon and have milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese available for them to choose.
Tart cherries and sweet prunes compliment each other beautifully in this granola, though feel free to make your own substitutions based on what's in your cupboard. Some other tasty combinations include: cherries and dates, cranberries and prunes, and cherries and apricots. Just about any kind of nut from walnuts to pecans work well. Just don't skip the vanilla and spices, which add subtle flavor and enticing aroma.
Cherry, Prune, and Almond Granola
Yield: 6 cups
Print recipe only here.
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup whole almonds
3/4 cup prunes, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup dried tart cherries
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsalted butter (or butter substitute such as Smart Balance)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 /2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl.
In a small pan over medium heat, melt honey and butter. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour honey-butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir until well coated. Spread out mixture on a large rimmed baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice, or until granola is golden brown. Cool completely.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
You might also like:
Breakfast Quinoa with Dried Cherries, Raisins, and Pecans
Banana, Coconut, and Medjool Date Bread
Healthy MuffinsMore granola recipes I would like to try:
The Best Granola at Alexandra's Kitchen
Glorious Granola at Cookie Baker Lynn
French Chocolate Granola at Orangette
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