Recipes we love - Coconut Strawberry Granola

We love granola!  And when I have time....which isn't very often....I like to make it myself.  It's actually quite simple to make which always makes me question why I don't do it more often!  Classic Arlene!  

I adapted this recipe from a cookbook (Debra's Natural Gourmet Cookbook) gifted to me by a friend many many years ago. I've had it and used it so much that the cover has torn off and it looks a little ratty.... another Classic Arlene...not always careful....but what remains are all the recipes - important - and the note she wrote on it - equally important.  It says:  "Friends don't let friends eat junk!"  Don't you just love that phrase?!   It reminds me of a few things - that she's my friend - even though we don't live on the same continent anymore I still think of her friendship and the sweet memories we shared.  It also reminds me what kind of friend she is - she knew me and bought me a cookbook that expressed that!  Obviously it made me feel pretty special.  

Friendship is a treasure and shouldn't be taken for granted - ever:)

Coconut Strawberry Granola

5 cups old fashioned oatmeal

1 cup unsweetened coconut

1 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup freeze dried strawberries

Directions:  Stir the oatmeal and coconut in a big bowl.  Melt the coconut oil and then add the maple syrup.  After it's mixed add the vanilla.  Pour over the oatmeal and coconut and mix until it's all well coated.

Spread granola in a very large shallow pan and press down.  Bake on slow oven - about 250 for about an hour.  It's not too fussy....but don't stir...I know they say stir...but don't...you'll get chunks that way:)  I love chunky granola.

ENJOY!