Oatmeal Mondays

Here is my version of coconut granola clusters:

• 2 C old fashioned oats
• 2 C Oatmeal Squares cereal
• 1/2 C brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 C chopped almonds
• 1/2 C shredded coconut
• 3/4 C total dried cherries and dried cranberries
• 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/4 C honey
• 1/3 C oil
• 1 T vanilla extract

Directions

1. Combine oats, cereal, brown sugar, almonds, coconut, dried fruit, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
2. In a microwave safe bowl, heat honey until warm, about 15 seconds.  Stir in oil and vanilla extract.  Pour liquids over oat/cereal mixture and mix thoroughly until everything is completely coated.
3. Grease cookie sheet and spread mixture evenly in a single layer.  Bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes until slightly golden brown.  No need to stir during baking.  Cool completely and break into pieces.  Store in an air tight container.

Slightly adapted from barbarabakes.com

FYI: This recipe makes a lot of hearty oat clusters, perfect to put in your favorite cereal bowl with a healthy dose of milk and a sliced banana.  Mix the granola clusters into Greek yogurt with extra honey drizzled over top if cereal isn't your thing.  Top your favorite ice cream with these chunks of heaven to add some crunch.  Or just munch on the clusters right out of the container.  Put these in front of your kids and watch them peck, nip, flap, and pick like little birds.  These coconut granola clusters are something special, you'll see:)