Yum-ola granola

Kids love to cook. And cooking with your child can be a great way to reinforce early math skills such as measuring and counting. Your child can easily measure out and add all of the ingredients, as well as do all the stirring—a great way to build confidence.

This easy recipe for granola requires only one measuring cup (though you can use a half cup measure too, if you wish). You can halve the recipe if you wish, giving you an opportunity to introduce the concept of fractions (halves of a whole) in a tangible and easy-to-understand way. This granola makes a good snack for school or for a hike and also makes a tasty breakfast cereal.

Ingredients

6 c. oats
pinch of salt
1 c. unsalted sunflower nuts
1 c. pecans
1 c. walnuts
2 c. shredded coconut
1 c. coconut or canola oil
scant 1 c. honey
1/2 c. maple syrup
1 c. raisins
1 c. dried cranberries 

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
2. Chop the nuts, if you wish, and then have your child measure all of the dry ingredients into a bowl.
3. Have your child stir together the honey, maple syrup and oil. Microwave them for just a few seconds, or heat in a pan until runny.
4. Have your child pour the honey oil mixture into the dry ingredients and stir.
5. Help your child spread the mixture onto cookie sheets.
6. Place sheets in oven for 15 minutes or until browned.
7. Stir in raisins and cranberries.
8. Allow the granola to cool before storing it.