CHOCOLATE CHIP CHERRY GRANOLA by NancyC
Makes about 9 cups, or 18 1/2 cup servings

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick oats)
3/4 cup sliced almonds
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds, salted or unsalted
1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon honey
3 Tablespoons canola oil or light olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cherries (or one 5-ounce package)
1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 ̊F. Line a 13 x 18′′ rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

In a microwave-safe bowl or container, heat the honey for about 30 seconds so it’s thinner and easier to stir; then mix the honey, oil, and salt together in a small bowl; set aside.

In a large bowl, toss the oats, sliced almonds, chopped nuts, coconut, and sunflower seeds. Add in the honey, oil, and salt mixture and toss again, combining all ingredients well. Spread mixture on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 325˚F for 20 minutes; remove pan from oven to stir and toss mixture for even baking. Return to oven for an additional 15 minutes, until mixture is golden, and remove from oven.

Stir granola, then let it cool completely on pan (if the granola isn’t quite crunchy, it will get crunchier as it cools). When completely cool, add in the dried cherries and semi-sweet mini chocolate chips.

Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Or package in mini treat bags and give as a healthy Valentine’s Day food gift!

Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com