Easy Crunchy Granola

My raspberries are just starting to come on and I love being able to just walk outside and pick a handful and eat them right there in the garden.  They are so sweet and yummy that I usually just have to stop and savor them a bit!  So today, I have a recipe that goes perfect with any berries…a yogurt parfait!  Doesn’t that just look so yummy and refreshing?

(It is as a matter of fact, because I am enjoying that one while I am writing this post!)  To make the perfect yogurt parfait, you need yogurt, fresh berries and crunchy granola.  My DIL gave me a version of this recipe a few years ago and I love it because it is so easy to make, is so good for you, and taste wonderful!  When I say version, have you noticed that I tend to change a lot of the recipes that I try?   Anyway, here is my version of Crunchy Granola:

Easy Crunchy Granola

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup water

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

8 cups rolled oats (I used old fashioned)

1 cup chopped pecans, almonds or walnuts

1 cup craisins, raisins or any dried fruit

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Combine brown sugar and water in a 4-cup microwaveable cup or bowl.  Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes and cook until sugar is completely dissolved.  Remove from microwave, add vanilla extract and salt. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, and sugar syrup mixture.  Stir until thoroughly mixed.  Spread the granola onto the 2 cookie sheets and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until golden brown.  (I do about 30-35 minutes, but if you want it more crunchy bake the full time.)  When the mixture comes out of the oven, it is still very pliable.  Add your fruit and crumble into bite size pieces.  When granola has cooled completely, store in an airtight container.

If you are a Weight Watcher person, this granola is 6 points plus for 1/2 cup.

Here are my two parchment lined pans of granola ready to go into the oven.
This is how I add my fruit to my already baked granola, just spread it down the middle and then when the granola is completely cooled, I just take up both sides of the parchment paper together and that mixes it a bit and pour into my container.
Now doesn’t this make your mouth water?  It is so good with the nuttiness of the oats, the sweetness of the fruit and sugar and the crunchiness of the nuts!  YUM!This is my airtight container that I use.  As you can see this makes a pretty big batch, and as empty nesters, you would think that this would be way too much, but we always seem to finish it off!So  now are you ready to enjoy a yummy, crunchy, sweet, nutty, good for you, yogurt parfait?

To make your parfait, put any yogurt in the bottom of your bowl, add a layer of Easy Crunchy Granola, a layer of fruit, then repeat. Enjoy!

Oh, by the way, this granola is also great just as a cereal! :)

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