Cinnamon-walnut granola

I have been thinking about granola since the holiday season began. It's something I've always wanted to make as a gift for family. But, I ran out of time in 2008, and I didn't make any treats to give away.

Next year, I'll be making this granola and Jean's delicious turtles. I have to pat myself on the back here: This is really good granola! I think it's probably because it's so fresh. Who knows how long the store-bought kind have been out of the oven?

The basic granola recipe for this came from this month's Bon Appetit magazine. You can substitute any chopped dried fruit and nuts that you like. I'm sure it will taste scrumptious. I turned the magazine's concoction into my favorite flavor, cinnamon-walnut with golden raisins and dried apple.

This is one of those things that I will no longer buy, now that I know how to make it. That's always nice -- and thrifty! Plus, you know exactly what's in it.

Cinnamon-walnut granola (makes 5-6 cups)

3 cups old-fashioned oats

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

3 tablespoons oil, divided

2 egg whites from medium eggs

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup flaxseed meal

1/4 cup honey

salt

1 cup walnut bits and pieces

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup chopped dried apple

1.) Brush 1 tablespoon oil onto a rimmed baking sheet. Preheat oven to 350.

2.) In a large bowl, whisk egg whites, remaining oil, and sugar. Add oats, flaxseed, and salt, and toss well.

3.) Spread mixture onto baking sheet evenly. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir with metal spatula, then bake another 15 minutes.

4.) Sprinkle the dried fruit on top of granola, drizzle with honey, stir, and bake another 10 minutes.

5.) Stir again before scooping onto a cold surface -- a clean baking sheet will do -- to cool completely before storing in an air-tight container. It will keep for about a month.