Cranberry, Orange, and Pecan Granola

I am a big proponent of homemade gifts! I am posting this recipe at a very special request of some good friends who I recently gifted this granola too. They wanted to know how I made it so crispy and crunchy! Of course, I don't keep my recipes a secret! Especially when they are too yummy to keep to myself.

This recipe is similar to one I posted previously for Orange Almond Granola. But this one has pecans and maple syrup! I think the maple syrup keeps the granola a bit lighter and really allows the oats to toast to perfection. I like to eat mine with a bowl of almond milk or on top of some plain greek yogurt with some fresh fruit.

Granola is very trendy right now. I have spotted it at farmer's markets and coffee shops around town. One bag can get pretty pricey when they are made from local maple syrup and honey. But you know it's the good stuff when you know exactly what is inside. Plus it is great to support local businesses.

So why not try it out for yourself? It's a fairly healthy snack that can fill you up without being too sweet. When I give it as a gift, I package it up in these cute brown bakery bags and add a small note. Or I fill up a mason jar and tie a bow around it. Either way, you can certainly do it too. It is fun to be creative! Granola makes a practical and unique gift.

I hope you enjoy this recipe. Let me know if you try it out! I love seeing pictures of how you enjoy the foods you make. Send them my way and say hello! I'd love to hear from you.

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Cranberry, Orange, and Pecan Granola

Ingredients:

• Zest of one medium orange

• 1 tablespoon coconut or light brown sugar

• 2 cups old fashioned oats

• 3/4 cup raw pecans

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

• 1/4 cup natural maple syrup

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a small bowl, combine orange zest and sugar. Mash together with back of spoon until all zest is incorporated into the sugar. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans, salt, and cinnamon. Mix together.

4. Add orange sugar mix, coconut oil, and maple syrup to dry ingredients. Mix together until all of the oats are wet and coated evenly.

5. Spread evenly along a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven gently turn over oats, especially around the edges where. they are starting to brown.

7. Bake for another 12 minutes. Let cool completely.

8. Break granola apart and mix in cranberries.

9. Store in air tight container in cool, dry place.

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Vanessa enjoyed her granola with some plain greek yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast.