Granola By Request

I found this granola recipe last year in The Urban Vegan, and not only does it taste delicious, but it also makes your home smell yummy. A friend asked me for the recipe, so I thought I'd share the love.

Some comments on this granola from the book:

"Most store-bought granola is sickeningly sweet. This granola is delicate, nutty, and subtly sweet. If you prefer a more cloying cereal, add the full amount of brown sugar. As a special bonus, while this granola bakes, it infuses your kitchen with a lovely orange-nutty aroma."

Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup raw, hulled sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pecan, almond, or walnut pieces
1/4 cup dry quinoa
2 T dry amaranth
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch salt
2 T coconut oil
1/3 - 3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup agave nectar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp orange extract
1/4 cup flaked or shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins*
1/2 cup cranberries *
*Or use 1 cup of either

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a medium cookie sheet and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, sunflower seeds, nuts, grains, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a small saucepan, combine coconut oil, brown sugar, agave nectar, and extracts. Heat on low and cook gently until sugar is dissolved. 
4. Remove from heat and pour into bowl with grains. Using a wooden spoon, stir well and make sure all grains are covered with the liquid. Spread onto the cookie sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oven and stir. Bake for 5 to 7 more minutes. Again, remove from oven and stir. Lower temperature to 350 F and bake for 5 to 15 more minutes, or until golden and crunchy.
5. Remove from oven and stirl in coconut and dried fruit. Let sit at foom temperature for about 8 hours.
6. Transfer to tightly sealed containers. Will keep for a few weeks.

Yields 4 cups.