Healthy Granola as Teacher Gifts

Teacher gifts are hard.  I think that the teachers always get bombarded with a slew of unhealthy things, made with big hearts and good intentions.  I always try to give something useful or healthy to our teachers, and it seems to be a bit harder every year.

I have this fantastic granola recipe that is amazing over yogurt or with almond milk (or regular milk...I just happen to be an almond milk junkie...).  It's healthy, it's loaded with nutrition, it's pretty, and fits in any cute jar.  Tie it with a ribbon and a cute homemade tag, and you have a healthy, and hopefully appreciated gift.  You can include a gift card to a teacher supply store or a ream of paper tied with a ribbon and it would surely be a hit.  I know that my children's teachers spend a considerable amount of their own money for classroom supplies; supplies are always an awesome gift.

This is an easy recipe for kids to help with, so they feel like they made a contribution in giving back to their teachers.  It's super fun to stir that giant bowl of granola together if you are 3 or 6-years-old!  It's a great way to teach your kids to be grateful for the work their teachers do for them.

This would make a great gift for neighbors and friends too...maybe next year!

HOMEMADE GRANOLA

Backyard Farmgals

5 cups old fashioned oats

1/2 cup honey (I used our own to make it special)

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup flax seeds

2 tsp ground cinnamon (or to taste)

freshly ground nutmeg (about 1/4 tsp)

1 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Method:

Heat oven to 325º.  

In a saucepan, heat the honey and oil until it is warm enough to easily pour, about 2 minutes on medium heat. 

In a large bowl, mix oats, honey, oil, wheat germ, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, cinnamon and nutmeg, until mixed together.  (Do not add dried fruit or coconut.)

Spread on parchment lined baking sheets and bake for 25 minutes.  

Allow to cool.  Break into pieces, add dried fruit and coconut.  Put into a sealed bag or into jars.  Label and tie with ribbons and give to a great teacher!