By Kerry Coughlin, Nutrition Masters Candidate

Have you tried the Sargent Choice granola?  If you dine on campus, you’ve probably grown to love it.  It’s crunchy and sweet, and the perfect topping for a bowl of yogurt and fruit.  Oh, and it’s also packed with whole grains and healthy fats, which are key components in a balanced diet.  And that is what Sargent Choice is all about!

But you don’t have to hit the dining hall to get this granola; you can make the Sargent Choice granola in your own kitchen.  It’s easy, and takes just a few minutes of effort.  Once it’s in the oven, you can get back to studying, and enjoy the wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen.  When it’s done, you can share it with friends, or keep it all for yourself.

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 14 servings (1/2 cup each):

5 cups rolled old fashioned oats
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup dried cranberries & raisin mixture

You might have a few of these things in your pantry already.  For the rest, check the bulk bins at Whole Foods, or take a look at Trader Joe’s, and you will probably find a deal.  All of these ingredients are a good investment, and it’s much less expensive than buying packaged granola.

To make the granola, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease a cookie sheet with olive oil.

In large bowl mix together the dry ingredients (oats, wheat germ, cinnamon.)

Heat honey and vanilla in a small saucepan until warm, then pour over dry ingredients and mix well.

Spread evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet.

Bake at 10 minutes at 350F.

Remove cookie sheet from oven. Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds and stir well. Return to oven and bake an additional 10 minutes. When granola has cooled, add the dried cranberries and raisins. Store in an air tight container

Here is the final product.  Be sure to store it in a covered container.

I hope you get a chance to try making this granola, either in your off-campus kitchen, or while you are visiting your family and friends. You can share the best of Sargent Choice!!

Have you ever tried Sargent Choice Granola? It’s definitely one of our most popular recipes!