Southern Kitchen – Fresh Granola

We can all use a little extra energy during the day, or maybe a healthy boast to breakfast.  Finding a quick way to get something nutritious, fresh and filling in our diets can be real challenge.  Mark has opened up his fresh basket and given us his favorite “Hippie” Southern Granola recipe.  The Hungry Southerner is on a mission to continue to expand the boundaries of Southern food, and to provide sustainable alternatives to the typical prepackaged items.  Be creative and try to find local products for your granola recipe.  You might be surprised what different nuts, berries, and honeys that are available in your area or try growing your own.

Here’s an easy granola recipe to go along with our homemade yogurt.

Southern Granola

• 1 ½ cups quick cooking oats
• ½ cup copped nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc)
• ¼ cup dried fruit
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• dash of salt

Mix oats, nuts and dried fruit together.  Melt butter in the microwave, adding honey 15-20 seconds before butter is completely melted so it pours more easily.  Add the butter/honey mixture to the oat mixture and spread onto a greased cookie sheet.   Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until golden brown.  Allow the granola to cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Notes:

• we used cranberries, but blueberries, chopped apricots or any other of your favorites dried fruit will work
• you can also add additional ingredients like coconut and sunflower seeds(before you bake it) or chocolate/white chocolate chips (after it cools).