Crunchy Granola Sweetened with Dried Blueberries

Delicious recipe for homemade granola with dried blueberries, including four flavor variations.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/4 cup melted butter or light olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup wheat bran cereal
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dried blueberries (4-ounces)

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 13x9x2-inch baking pan, stir together butter (or oil), honey and brown sugar. Mix in oats, bran cereal, sunflower seeds and cinnamon.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
4. Stir in wheat germ, almonds, almond and vanilla extracts. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and immediately stir in dried blueberries. Allow mix to cool thoroughly before storing.

Makes 5 1/3 cups granola.

Trail Mix Ideas: The above granola makes a great-tasting base for a nutritious, high-energy trail mix. To make your own trail mix, add your favorite snack items such as the following variations:

• Rocky Road: Dried Blueberry Granola with mini marshmallows, peanuts and chocolate chips.
  
• Fruit Pie: Dried Blueberry Granola with dried apple bits, walnuts and extra cinnamon.
  
• Island Mix: Dried Blueberry Granola with white chocolate chunks, shredded coconut and macadamia nuts.