Crunchy Granola with Home Dried Fruits

Start the day with a breakfast of crunchy granola with added home-grown dried fruits. Accompany it with a tub of plain yoghurt to make not just a delicious meal but one that is highly nutritious. Wash down with a glass of homemade apple juice and be certain to keep your energy levels up till lunchtime!

Note: You will need a food dehydrator to make this recipe in full. You can find a number of suitable options here.

The Granola Base:

• 6 cups rolled oats 
• 1 cup of each of the following: 
  • Soya flour 
  • Wheatgerm Sesame seeds 
  • Sunflower seeds 
  • Chopped nuts 
  • Dried milk powder 
  • Rapeseed oil 
  • Honey

Cook’s Tip!: Measure the dry ingredients first. Then measure the oil before the honey to prevent the honey from sticking!

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
2. Spread on 2 large baking trays and cook for 50 mins in a slow oven at 140ºC.
3. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking to a rich golden brown colour.
4. Store in airtight containers.

Home Dried Fruits Using a Fruit and Vegetable Dehydrator:

Suitable fruits include:

• Strawberries - sliced
• Apples – sliced
• Black and Redcurrants
• Raspberries, Blackberries and Blueberries
• Plums or Cherries - de-stoned

Method

1. Dip the apples and strawberries in acidulated water (the juice of a lemon squeezed into the water) to minimise discolouration.
2. Place well spaced in the drying trays of your dehydrator.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times.
4. When the fruits have cooled, store in airtight containers.
5. Mix into your granola base to taste.