Sugar Free Granola

You may add sweetener if you like, especially if you are not using dates.

1 cup chopped dates
1 cup water
8 cups organic rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup craisins
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds
2 cups shredded coconut
1/4 cup soy flour (optional)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates and water. Cook stirring occasionally until the mixture forms a thick paste. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, walnuts, raisins, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, and coconut. Spread out in a 9x13 baking metal pan.

Bake for 7 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly toasted. Transfer the mixture back into the bowl, and mix in the date paste, apple juice concentrate, and oil. Return to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned. Granola will become more crispy as it cools. Store in an airtight container.

Monette Kollodge of Heirloom Cooks