Foster's Homemade Granola

This granola recipe is from Fresh Every Day by Sara Foster. It's one of my favorite cookbooks- i've made a good number of the soups, salads, and desserts. I like that they're fresh and well spiced.

This granola is very crispy, light, and fresh tasting. I love it with yogurt. I've never had the dried fruit on hand when making this recipe and the granola tastes fine without it.

Foster's Homemade Granola
adapted from Fresh Every Day by Sara Foster
Makes about 6 cups

2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup sliced almonds
1 tsp kosher or sea salt
1/4 cup canola or safflower oil, plus more for greasing the pan
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 275.
2. Spread the oats, coconut, and almonds on a large baking sheet with sides. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the ingredients are lightly toasted but not yet golden. Transfer the ingredients to a large bowl.
3. Increase the oven temperature to 350. Lightly grease the baking sheet with oil or spray with vegetable oil.
4. Stir the maple syrup, oil, and honey together in a small bowl, pour over the oats, nuts, and coconut, and toss to coat evenly. Spread the granola onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the granola is just crispy and golden brown, stirring several times while baking. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet, breaking up any large clumps while it is still warm.
5. When the granola has cooled completely, add the dried fruit and toss to mix. In an airtight container, this will keep at room temperature for up to two weeks.