Summer Fruit Granola

Granola s a staple in our house, all four seasons long.  When we run out, I make more, end of story. It's always delicious, but usually a pretty routine affair, made up of whatever half-empty bags of nuts etc. happen to be in the cupboard that week.  Every once in a while, though, it gets elevated to something special. 

The taking off point for this granola was some drop dead gorgeous dried fruit from one of the orchards at our farmer's market.  They dehydrate their ripe peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries and grapes right from their trees.  I noticed a big box of it tucked away in a corner of the stand, and while all the buzz was around the fresh fruit, I scored some pretty amazing stuff.

The fruit is bright colored and plump.  It  bears no resemblance to the bags of dried fruit in stores.  I'm kicking myself for not stocking up on it, I really hope they have more  next weekend.

I balanced the huge pieces of fruit with whole nuts, and even some raw peanuts in their skins.  I used a wildflower honey to sweeten it just a little, and simple vanilla for flavor. 

This is a chunky, luxurious Sunday morning granola.  It's good enough to give as a gift, send to kids at college, or serve to overnight guests.  You need nothing more than ice cold milk to make a feast out of this granola.

Summer Fruit Granola
oven to 350
3 cups old fashioned oats
1/3 cup raw wheat germ
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cups sunflower seeds
1/3 cup pecan halves
1/3 cup walnut halves
1/3 cup raw peanuts, skin on
1/3 cups sliced almonds
1/2 tsp sea salt

• Mix all the above ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

1/3 cup vegetable oil (any kind you like)
1/4 cup wildflower honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

• Add the honey and vanilla to the oil.  Drizzle in the oil while you are stirring the granola, until everything is well coated and combined.
• Spread the granola out evenly on a baking sheet (with sides) 
• Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until toasted and golden browned.  Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn along the edges.

1 heaping cup mixed dried summer fruits such as peaches, plums, nectarines, grapes etc. cut in large bite sized pieces.

• Take the pan out of the oven and add the dried fruit to the hot granola.  
• Cool on the pan, and when completely cool, store in an airtight jar.

Does anybody use a dehydrator?  I noticed that they're not too expensive and I'm wondering what kind of results you can get with them.