Homemade Granola

Everyone makes a New Years resolution at the beginning of the year. Whether it's losing weight, being successful at something, or bettering yourself in some way. But it seems like most people think about their resolution for the month of January and then it's lost to the world. Well if there is one resolution I want everyone to think about, its being positive. There is that commercial on t.v. where one person watches another do something good for someone else and that makes them want to do something good. Thats quite a powerful thing. Say something nice to someone today or open the door for another. Thats my New Year's resolution. That, and eating better, which leads me to this recipe by Ina Garten. My friend Ashley made this granola and its so good, you won't even realize you're eating something healthy. She used pistachos instead of coconut and took out the figs and added dried apricots. But it's a very versitile recipe, and delicious for any time of the day.

Ingredients 

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut  
• 2 cups sliced almonds
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 1/2 cups small diced dried apricots
• 1 cup small diced dried figs
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Toss the oats, coconut, and almonds together in a large bowl. Whisk together the oil and honey in a small bowl. Pour the liquids over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are coated.

                       
Pour onto a 13 by 18 by 1-inch sheet pan. Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the mixture turns a nice, even, golden brown, about 40 minutes.
                                 
Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Add the apricots, figs, cherries, cranberries, and cashews. Store the cooled granola in an airtight container. Yields:12 cups