How about another healthy snack for fitness fiends you want to gift?

This is the fourth 'Gift in a Jar' you can make for family and friends this December. It is rather inexpensive but thoughtful, especially if it is made even more personal. (Such as including a bowl and spoon, or water bottle, or small gym towel with this granola mix!)

Find more great easy recipes in the 'Handmade' section of this blog. And more are coming for you to collect and make later this year. Some of the recipes are my own originals, some are credited to others. All lean to the healthy diet, as I prefer to avoid heavy sweets and fats. Enjoy!

Remember - Early Planning Saves Money

Rise & Shine Granola
(from Parade Magazine)

Ingredients:
3 clean pint jars w/screw lid
(use a canning jar, or a thrift store find)

2 C oats
1/2 C wheat bran
1/2 C shredded coconut
1/2 C sliced almonds
1/2 C sunflower seeds

Combine above 5 ingredients in a bowl.

1/2 C oil
1/4 C honey
1/4 C lgt brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cook above 5 ingredients in small sauce pan over low heat to dissolve the sugar.

Toss the two mixtures and spread evenly on a baking sheet. Bake 325 deg about 20 min until golden brown. Cool completely.

1/2 C dried cranberries
1/2 C chopped dried apricots
1/2 C golden raisins

Place baked mixture back in bowl and add above 3 ingredients.

Fill jars, affix fabric or wrapping paper over the lid with a ribbon tie. Be sure to leave enough tail to add a label "Granola Fit for You!".

Enjoy!