This recipe is one of my favorites because it is so easy and it is so GOOD for you. I like to make a double batch and have on hand for our own family for the holidays but it would make a wonderful addition to a gift basket- just dress it up in decorative bags and add labels or find decorative containers.

Don't forget to experiment as well! I have tried different nuts and different dried fruits and the combinations have all been excellent. Even substituting almond flavoring with almonds as the nut of choice instead of walnuts and vanilla is an excellent variation.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups old fashioned or quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons wheat germ
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (I actually use 4 tablespoons of wheat germ and leave out the seeds)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup dried cranberries (any dried fruit)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Combine oats, walnuts, wheat germ, seeds (f using) and salt in 13 x 9 baking pan (I use 2 large pans if I am making a double batch) 
3. Bake until oats and nuts are toasted – about 30 minutes.
4. Remove pan from oven.
5. Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees.
6. Combine honey, brown sugar, oil in a small skillet or pan over medium heat. Cook until the sugar has melted – about 1 minute.
7. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
8. Drizzle honey mixture over the oat mixture and stir all to coat.
9. Return to oven and bake stirring occasionally until the oats are crisp – about 10 minutes.
10. With spoon, break up any clumps.
11. Stir in cranberries or dried fruit of choice.
12. Store in airtight container.

Per 1/3 cup

• 154 calories, 29% from fat
• 0.5 g saturated fat, 5 g total fat
• 25 g carbs
• 3 g dietary fiber
• 4 g protein