Homemade Granola (and Yogurt Parfaits)

This is an easy recipe for homemade granola, courtesy of one of my co-workers who just happens to be a chef (a real one - not like me :) ) Homemade granola tastes so much better than the kind you can buy and it tastes great in a yogurt parfait. This recipe is not "low fat", but I do have one that I will be trying soon and I will post it when I do.

A very simple, yet elegant dessert. Yes, I served this for a dinner with friends on New Year's Day. I layered yogurt, thawed berries (the juice is amazing) and granola.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 1/2 cups uncooked rolled oats

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup cranberries

1/3 cup dried apricots

1/3 cup chocolate chips

Note: You can subsitute the nuts and fruit for your preferences and if you wish, you do not need to include dried fruit or chocolates.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt 1/2 cup butter and stir in 1/3 cup brown sugar. Stir until combined.

Combine oats and nuts (I used pumpkin seeds, almonds, and pecans) and stir into butter sugar mixture.

Bake on a baking sheet 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring two or three times.

Cool mixture completely. When cooled stir in dried fruit and chocolate chips (if using). It is important to remember not to add the fruit and chocolate chips prior to baking as the fruit gets very hard and the chips melt (obviously). Store in airtight container.

Another look at this delicious dessert or special breakfast