The EASIEST Granola ever!

Granola has always been one of my very favorite things to eat.  Especially the granola my mom makes. She loads it with all kinds of dried fruit, toasted nuts and shredded coconut....yum.  And this may sound weird but having granola with milk about 30 minutes after it is fresh from the oven is one of my all time favorite and comforting snacks.  The granola is still warm and all the flavors are just popping with deliciousness.  A definite must for all of you "granola lovers" out there if you have yet to have granola warm from the oven (or skillet).

 

 

 

My mom has always made her granola in the oven. She coats the ingredients with honey and oil and then gently roasts them - tossing the oats and fruit every 15 minutes so that they become evenly browned and seasoned.  So good!  About a month ago I discovered that a couple of my favorite food blogs were featuring a wonderful granola recipe.  And not just any granola recipe.  Quick and easy granola made in a SKILLET on the stove. What a brilliant concept.  I couldn't wait to try it out myself.  I have now made skillet granola multiply times.  I have given away batches as gifts and I have shared many a bowl topped with fresh berries   with my girls.  Lots and lots of happy tummies have rejoiced with my new discover of making granola on the stove rather than in the oven. You should do the for the tummies in your life that you care and adore.

The beauty of  this recipe is that it is versatile.  You can sweeten the ingredients as you wish using either honey or maple syrup and you can add any kind of dried fruit or nut to your liking.  The sky's the limit here with this granola recipe.

 Fruit and Nut Skillet Granola

(similar recipes can be found on Let's Dish and Lick the Bowl)

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter (if you wish to reduce the butter to 3/4 of a stick it will be just fine)

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp ground cinnamon

4 cups rolled oats (not the quick kind)

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped dates or chopped dried apricots (any or all of these)

1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened is fine)

1 cup silvered almonds or chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:

1. In a large skillet melt butter.  Add in honey (or maple syrup), brown sugar, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.  Stir all together until well combined.

 

2. Add in oats and stir to coat thoroughly.  Cook over low heat for about 10-12 minutes until oats are light brown and toasted.

 

3. Take pan off of heat and stir in dried fruit, nuts and coconut.  Happiness has arrived...your granola is complete.  Scoop up a handful and enjoy.

 

 

 

Happy Fruit and Nut Skillet Granola Making!