Ingredients

• 3  cups regular rolled oats
• 1/2  cup toasted wheat germ
• 1/2  cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts (filberts) or sliced almonds
• 1/3  cup honey
• 1/2  teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
• 1/3  cup orange juice
• 1/2  teaspoon ground cinnamon
•   Nonstick cooking spray
• 1  cup flaked or shredded coconut

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl stir together the oats, wheat germ, and hazelnuts or almonds. In a small saucepan stir together the honey, orange peel and juice, and cinnamon. Heat just until boiling; remove from heat. Add honey mixture to oat mixture, tossing gently until coated.

2. Coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread oat mixture evenly in pan. Bake in a 325 degree F oven for 15 minutes. Add coconut to oat mixture and stir. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes more or until light brown, stirring once. Remove from oven and immediately turn out onto a large piece of foil; cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes about 5 cups granola (ten, 1/2-cup serving.

To Present This As a Gift: You will need, scissors, ribbon, clear jar, thick white crafts glue, hot-glue gun and hot-glue sticks, cinnamon sticks, wheat, and a small artificial orange.

Cut a piece of ribbon to wrap around glass jar lid. Glue in place with crafts glue. Let dry. Hot-glue cinnamon sticks around the rim of the lid. Arrange and hot-glue wheat to the top of the lid. Hot-glue an artificial orange in the center of the lid. Let dry. Include preparation directions, below, with gift.

Preparation Directions: Spoon granola into a bowl. Top with any combination of fresh fruit, such as blueberries, sliced nectarines, blackberries, sliced strawberries, raspberries, and/or sliced, peeled peaches. Top with plain or vanilla yogurt or milk.

Also Try This: Help keep the topper intact by spraying with a clear spray sealer.