Granola Trifle

One Year Ago:  My Daughter's Creation:  Cheese and Mustard Snowflake Sandwich

Today is my birthday and I am officially no longer in my 20s.  I made these as a little treat to start off the morning and it was a delightful way to begin my 30th!  This is quite the treat for my daughter and I.  My husband loves the granola alone but we love it with Greek yogurt and fresh berries!  The crunchy granola paired with the rich, creamy yogurt and sweet berries is absolutely divine!  You can make the granola in advance, which makes this perfect for serving to guests.  Simply assemble the trifle and be ready to impress.  The granola can be stored in an air-tight container for up to one month.

  

Ingredients:
Granola adapted from Allrecipes

• 1 1/2 c rolled oats 
• 1/2 c chopped nuts (I used almonds)
• 1/4 c oat bran
• 1/4 c flax seed 
• 1/4 c salted sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp brown sugar 
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 c vegetable oil 
• 1/4 c unsweetened apple sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup 
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla 
• 1/3 c dried fruit (I used Craisins)
• Yogurt (I used Greek vanilla yogurt)
• Berries (I used blackberries and raspberries)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. 

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, nuts, oat bran, flax seed, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.  

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, applesauce, maple syrup, honey and vanilla.  

Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients.  Spread onto a prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.  

Pour the granola in a large bowl and stir in the dried fruit.  Allow it to cool.  

Spoon the granola in the bottom of a trifle bowl.  Add a few berries and dollop yogurt on top.  Repeat and top with berries. 

Enjoy!