Marci's Granola

For my last birthday my sister Marci gave me some homemade granola in a clear bag tied up cute with a bow. It would appear to be just regular old granola, but let me assure you...this is not. BD and I fought over the last three crumbs of that bag. I couldn't stop thinking about it for days and so I begged her for the recipe. BD especially loves this granola because it is packed with carbs, protein, and good fats. Now that he has begun training for Lotoja, he is burning heaps of calories and requires energy packed food. He loves to eat a big bowl of this homemade granola with goat's milk every morning. Since I'm not burning near that many calories, I prefer to eat a smaller portion sprinkled over fresh fruit and plain yogurt. Anyway you like it, I guarantee that you'll love it.

Marci's Granola
2 cups oats
1 cup coconut (big flake)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped cashews
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
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1 1/2 cups all natural peanut or almond butter
1 cup agave nectar
1 tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Heat peanut butter and agave nectar in the microwave for 1 minute or until warm and melty. Stir together until combined. Add vanilla. Pour peanut butter mixture over nut mixture and combine. Spread granola into an ungreased half sheet pan. Bake granola at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, toss and transfer to another sheet pan to cool. Store in an airtight container.I hope you try this recipe! It's fast becoming a staple in our kitchen and makes a wonderful gift. Thanks for letting me share Marci!