Not only is it the start of the new year (and an abundance of healthy eating goals), but it’s also the gloomiest time of the year – at least it is to me! Like many, I enjoyed and indulged in lots of treats, drinks, and delicious meals over the holidays, and it’s time for a little refresh and lighter, healthier foods. This addictive homemade granola is the perfect cure for the doldrum days after the festivities and vacations over the holidays, for sure!

I have been loving delving into the fabulous new Camille Styles Entertaining book, which is chock full of delicious recipes, among so much more. Camille’s Sunshine Granola is fairly healthy, homemade, filled with citrus fruits and bright flavors (reminiscent of a pina colada, too!), and will be the perfect complement to the post-holiday blues and cold weather. I’m dreaming of warmer weather already!

Sunshine Granola

recipe adapted from Camille Styles Entertaining

Ingredients

4 cups of old fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes

2/3 cup of shelled pistachios

2/3 cup of chopped almonds

5 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1/3 cup of brown sugar

3 tablespoons of honey

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

grated zest from one orange + juice from one orange

2 1/2 cups of dried fruit (apricot, pineapple, golden raisins, raisins, or apple)

Directions

 Preheat the oven to 275, and spray a large, rimmed baking sheet with Pam. In a small pan on low heat, bring the butter, sugar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to a simmer. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and then set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, coconut flakes, pistachios, almonds, and grated orange zest. Pour the sugar-butter mixture over the oat-nut mixture, and combine thoroughly until the oats are evenly coated.

Spread the oat mixture onto the baking sheet, and bake it for 1 hour and 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Meanwhile, combine the dried fruit with the juice from the orange, and let it stand for an hour.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven, drain the fruit, and then add it to the granola. Stir well and then bake for an additional 10 minutes. Once cooked, set aside to cool completely. This granola will keep in an airtight container for 2 weeks or in the freezer for a month.

Easy and delicious – and a perfect pick-me-up for the dreary winter months!