Update: Congrats to Kristen for winning this giveaway!
You catch more flies with it, it tastes good, it’s good for you, and it’s a nice name to call your love.
Honey.
The sticky goodness made by all those diligent little worker bees has a long history and comes in a wide variety of flavors. And did you know that nature’s original sweetener has its very own month? September is National Honey Month—a time to celebrate the sweetness as beekeepers wind down their collection season.
So in honor of that, here’s a recipe that just wouldn’t be the same without the sugary stuff. And like all good recipes, this one has been adapted from a very sweet friend.
Granola
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ½ cups sliced almonds
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup coconut (optional)
¼ cup wheat germ (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped dried apricots

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, brown sugar, coconut, wheat germ, salt, and cinnamon; set aside. In a saucepan or microwave, warm the oil and honey. Whisk in the vanilla and carefully pour the warm liquid over the oat mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon; finish mixing by hand if needed.
Evenly spread granola on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until toasted, stirring carefully every 10 minutes. Transfer to rack and let cool completely. Stir in dried fruit. Store in airtight containers.
Sweet Tips
• Measure the oil in the measuring cup before measuring the honey. If the measuring cup is coated with the oil, the honey will slide right out.
• Granola can be stored in a freezer for up to three months.
• Adjust the recipe as you like! Substitute the dried fruit and almonds with whatever you enjoy—dried cherries, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, raisins, chocolate chips, and so on.
OK. You’re gonna need some good honey to make this granola, so leave a comment with your name and be entered to win this Tru Bee Honey Bag filled with two 6 oz. jars, a handcrafted hardwood dipper, and beeswax lip balm.
By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resource’s official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends next Tuesday (10/1/13) at 11:59 p.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winner will be selected at random. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Bud Harlan at One Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-140.