Orange, Almond, and Coconut Granola

Every Sunday -- especially the cold and rainy Sundays that we have been having lately -- I like to cook. Or bake. Sometimes both. Extra points if what I am making will last over the course of the week without spoiling. Enter granola (in this case: orange, almond and unsweetened coconut granola). Good, crunchy goodness that lasts all week long (if it isn't eaten immediately). Bonus: as it bakes, granola makes your home smell amazing; so fragrant. Delicious.

Orange, Almond, and Coconut Granola

+ 2 cups oats (use quick oats, not instant)

+ 1/4 cup chopped or slivered almonds

+ 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

+ 2 tsp cinnamon

+ the zest of 1 orange

+ 1/4 cup honey

+ 1/8 cup molasses

+ 2 tbsp vegetable oil

+ a pinch of salt

+ 1/2 cup dried fruit (I used dates, but this recipe is great with raisins or dried cranberries)

Preheat the oven to 300F. 

Mix the oats, almonds, coconut, and salt in a big bowl and then set aside. In a small pot, add the cinnamon, orange zest, honey, molasses and vegetable oil. Heat until it combines and a more fluid consistency is reached (about 1 minute on low heat). This will also allow the orange and cinnamon flavors to infuse the honey and molasses. Once combined, add to the dry ingredients and stir until well blended. 

Bake the granola mixture for 10 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Take out the tray, still well, and then continue baking for 8 to 10 minutes. The granola should brown but remain chewy so I suggest taking it out at this point and let it cool. It should firm up to be an ideal granola consistency.

This granola is perfect paired with some yogurt (I love Greek style yogurts) and some honey.