Homemade Granola

Have you tried the $1 yogurt parfaits at McDonald's?  They are so good, but homemade is always better.  My favorite part is the granola that you sprinkle on top.  It adds texture and sweetness to the creamy yogurt and fresh fruit. 

I watch Food Network every Saturday morning while drinking my coffee.  Marcela from Mexican Made Easy was making a Mother's Day brunch menu that included yogurt parfaits with homemade granola.  I found the recipe and read the reviews.  The only change I made was the oven temperature and cooking time.  It turned out perfect.

Ingredients:

2 cups old fashioned Oats
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup sliced almonds
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4 T unsalted butter
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Line a 9x9 baking pan with foil, leaving an overhang over the edges.  Spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, cranberries, almonds, cinnamon, and salt.

In a small sauce pan over medium heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, and honey.  Stir until mixture comes to a boil.  Turn off heat and stir in vanilla extract.  Pour over oat mixture and stir well to coat.  Transfer to prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer.

Bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  Mixture should be light brown.  Remove from oven and lift foil out of pan onto counter.  Spread mixture out and let cool and become crispy.  Serve over yogurt with fresh fruit, or in a big bowl with some milk.  Enjoy!

Store in an airtight container or jar at room temperature.