Healthy Vanilla~Almond Granola with Dried Fruit

Last November, after years of pain and finally having to give up playing tennis, my hubby had a Total Hip Replacement.  Now, he's like a new man; a bionic man that is!  He has started playing tennis again and on a health kick to get back to his "old" self (excuse the pun!)

On top of his new found wellness, he also retired the end of April, so now I have an at-home-hubby who needs things to do.  Well, there is tennis and I had him clean out the garage, but when I said I was going to Publix to grocery shop, he said, "I want to go."  Oh ladies, I'm not use to this, but gave in and let him tag along.  As we went down the cereal aisle, he said he wanted to get some granola to eat for breakfast and eat healthy.  However, after showing him the packaging info, I said, "I'll make you some!"  So I did!

Vanilla~Almond Granola with Dried Fruit
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup Maple syrup
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 tsp.  Kosher salt
4 tsp. Vanilla extract

5 cups Old Fashioned Oats
2 cups sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 325F-degrees.
In a large bowl, whisk the "wet" ingredients (the first 5) together.  Add the oats and almonds and stir until everything is evenly coated.  Spread the mixture into a rimmed baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.  Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown, stirring every 10-15 minutes to ensure even browning.

In the same large bowl, add 2 cups of dried fruit (I used 1 cup of raisins and 1 cup dried blueberries, but you can use your favorite.)

When the granola comes out of the oven, spoon it over the dried fruit and mix together.  Return the granola to the baking sheet to cool completely before storing in an air tight container.  This granola is not only great for morning cereal, but try it on yogurt or ice cream.  Enjoy!