Goji Granola

The goji berry (or wolf berry) is indigenous to Tibet and Northern China. Be prepared for a bit of sticker shock when you go to purchase them, they are sold in most natural foods stores now, and they aren't cheap. You are likely to find goji berries in their dried form. Goji's are a deep, brick red color and are typically purchased dried. They are leaner than a dried cranberry or raisin, but similar in size - they are also typically a bit less moist. They are very tasty straight from the bag with a flavor that is sweet without being too sweet and tart without being puckery.

Yield:

Makes about 10 cups of granola.

Ingredients

1. 4 cups rolled oats
2. 3/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
3. 1 cup macadamia nuts, big pieces
4. 1 1/2 cups raw unsweetened shredded coconut
5. 1 cup goji berries, loosely chopped
6. 1 cup unsulphered dried fruit of your choice (try dried pineapple and dried papaya)
7. 3/4 cup honey or for vegans, a light maple syrup or agave nectar
8. 1/4 cup unrefined full-flavored coconut oil

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F. Put the oats into a large bowl. Add the sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, coconut, dried fruits (except the goji berries), and orange zest. Stir to combine.
2. Heat the honey and coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour the warm honey mixture into the dry mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
3. Spread the mixture onto one or two rimmed baking sheets and bake for about 40 minutes, less if you are splitting the mixture between two pans. Stir every 10 minutes or so. You want to bake the muesli until it is a light, toasty, golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Toss the granola with the goji berries and store in large mason jars until you are ready to eat.

Notes