Growing up, Christmas morning was the time that we opened our stocking and all the presents. Sure there was one gift opening allowed on Christmas eve before we snuggled into bed, but the bulk of the gift gluttony was done in the morning. With all of the wrapping paper being torn open and ribbons being hurled in the air, you could certainly work up an appetite.
As an adult, I now like to have something quick and nutritious available to feed the masses. Homemade granola packed full of seeds, nuts, and fruit makes a thoughtful gift for the holidays. I’ll be bringing one of these pretty packages for the hosts of every dinner or party after December 20th. Good thing this recipe makes a lot!
Christmas Morning Granola with Cranberries and Pecans
Makes 4 packages
• 8 cups rolled oats
• 2 cups unsweetened coconut
• 2 cups whole pecans
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup sunflower oil
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 cup raisins
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Measure the oats, coconut, nuts, seeds and brown sugar into a large bowl.
3. Combine the honey, oil, vanilla and salt in a pot and warm up on the stove, stirring constantly. Warm just until all the elements are mixed evenly, then pour the hot mixture over the oat mixture. Stir well to ensure all of the oats are covered.
4. Spread the mixture onto a few greased cookie sheets and toast in the oven for 1 hour. Remove the granola from the oven every 10 minutes and stir so that it toasts evenly on all sides.
5. Once cool, mix in the cranberries and raisins.
6. Fill 4 frosted tin tie bags with the granola and add labels.
Once the bags are filled and decorated, they will make thoughtful hostess gifts for those who are kind enough to cook you a turkey. Happy holidays!
Helpful Links
- Large Labels • I chose the “Mele Kalikimaka” style in Red.
- Diamond Hang Tags • I chose the “Mele Kalikimaka” style in Red.
- Tin Tie Bags.
More homemade Christmas gift ideas…
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Stephanie Rose is a gardener who lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where she has grown over 100 edibles, 400 perennials, and countless other plants in her small urban yard; a hobby that continues to grow with each season. Stephanie writes DIY garden projects, yummy recipes and crafty goodness at Garden Therapy where she hopes you will find something to inspire you to get outside for a little, well, garden therapy.
i assume that’s dried cranberries, not fresh or frozen?
I truly love this site and can’t wait to see more of it.