This is ridiculously simple to make and has lots of healthy ingredients. It’s a great way to start your day or to keep you going. With pretty packaging, it makes a nice gift or bake sale item.
—MARY BILYEU ANN ARBOR, MI
PREP: 15 MIN. • BAKE: 20 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: 7 1/2 CUPS
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup honey
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup dried cranberries
Reduced-fat plain yogurt, optional
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey and oil. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over oat mixture and mix well.
2. Transfer to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Stir in dried fruits. Store in an airtight container. Serve with yogurt if desired.