GRANOLA

2 cubes butter                        

1-2 cups brown sugar            

7 cups rolled oats

2 tsp. cinnamon, optional

1 cup of any dried fruit, nuts, and/or coconut

1-2 Tbsp. almond extract

In a large skillet, melt butter.  Sprinkle in brown sugar and almond extract; stir to combine.  Add rolled oats, stirring until combined. 

Heat over medium heat, stirring often, for about 15 minutes.  Stir in cinnamon, if desired.  Add fruit and nuts of choice. 

Cool and serve with milk or yogurt.

CHERRY ALMOND GRANOLA

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder

1/2 cup honey

1/3 cup unsweetened apple juice concentrate

2 Tbsp. canola oil

1 Tbsp. almond extract

6 cups old-fashioned oats

1 1/2 cups dried cherries or cranberries

1 cup slivered almonds

Vanilla yogurt, optional

In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, milk powder, honey, apple juice concentrate and oil.  Cook and stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved; stir in extract.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, cherries and almonds.  Drizzle with sugar mixture and mix well.

Spread in a thin layer in two 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pans coated with nonstick cooking spray.  Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.  Cool completely.  Serve with yogurt if desired.  Store in an airtight container.

*Add a little baking cocoa to the brown sugar for a flavor twist.

STRAWBERRY YOGURT SHAKE

2 cups low fat, plain yogurt

1 cup milk

½ cup honey

1½ cups frozen strawberries

¼ cup toasted wheat germ

¼ tsp. almond extract

dash salt

Blend all ingredients together in blender.

PARTY PUNCH

1 (12 oz.) orange juice frozen concentrate    

1 (12 oz.) lemonade frozen concentrate        

2 1/2 cups sugar

10 juice cans water

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. almond extract

1 (2 liter) bottle 7-Up (optional)

                                   

Mix all ingredients together.  Ice cream can be scooped onto the top and let sit until foamy if desired.