The Best Granola

This recipe comes from my talented friend, Lecia, over at A Day that is Dessert.

Doesn't it look incredible?!

Granola
adapted from recipe by Fairmont Chateau Whistler

1 cup oats
3 tbsp bran
¼ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup slivered almonds
¼ cup pecans
3 tbsp sesame seeds

3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp canola oil
1/3 cup raisins
3 tbsp currants
½ cup dates, dry

2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp orange extract (this ingredient is key!)
2 pinches salt

Preheat the oven to 300F.

In a large bowl mix together the oats, bran, sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, pecans, and sesame seeds. Toast until golden - about 10 minutes.

While still warm, add the honey, oil, raisins, currants, and dried dates.

Next add the vanilla extract, orange extract and a pinch of salt.

Toasted for about 40 minutes at 300F, stirring every 10 minutes, until deep golden brown. Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to a month.

Of course, you can replace the slivered almonds with walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, or cashews.

*****

Enjoy!