Big Sky Breakfast Granola- Updated

In Montana, we need a hearty stick to your ribs breakfast while we are out working in the garden, splitting logs or hiking through glorious Glacier National Park. This fruit filled granola recipe makes for a great trail mix while hiking or a scrumptious topping for your yogurt in the morning.

In the cooler months, this granola is even better. We top our morning oatmeal with it, spoon it on top of pancakes or eat it just as cereal.

I have updated my origanl post and reduced the sugar by half.

Granola by nature is not a “diet” food, but this recipe is so good and healthy in other ways, it’s worth the extra calories. I love a big bowl before a day long hike. Share this recipe with friends and you’ll never be lonely or hungry. It keeps well for up to a week in an airtight container. Feel free to substitue the dried fruit for anything you like. If you are watching your sugar- you can omit the dried fruit altogether.

Big Sky Granola

4 1/2 cups old fashiond oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup local honey
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup dried cherries OR 1/4 cup cranberries
1/4 cup dried blueberries

A pan full of granola waiting for the oven

Method- Total time 1 hour. Prep time- 15 minutes.

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees
In a very large bowl, combine oats, coconut, pecans, almonds and brown sugar. Mix well.
In a small saucepan combine the oil and honey. Bring to a simmer. Pour hot honey mixture over oats. Stir well to coat all the ingredients.
On a large sheet pan, pour out the oats and spread to cover the entire surface of the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10. Remove from oven, stir mixture to ensure even browning. Return pan to oven for another 8-10 minutes until oats are golden brown. Watch carefully so they do not burn.
Once oats are golden brown, remove from oven and immediately pour back into large bowl. Let cool completely. Once cooled add dried fruit. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This recipe makes a lot of granola- it’s the perfect amount to share with friends and neighbors.