Christmas Treats--Granola and Hot Chocolate

Homemade Granola

4 cups rolled oats
1 cup flax seed

1 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup water
1 (6-ounce) package dried sweetened cranberries or other dried fruits

Heat the oven to 300º. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, flax seed, nuts, sesame seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the oil, honey, and water. Toss the mixture until the ingredients are well combined, then spread it evenly on a cookie sheet.

Bake the granola for 40 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring every 10 minutes to keep the mixture from sticking. Let it cool completely, then stir in the cranberries or dried fruit. Makes about 7 cups.


Hot Chocolate in a Jar

1½ cups skim milk powder
1½ cups white sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
¾ cup (vanilla) non-dairy creamer

To Make this Jar Gift: Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well. For a finer mix, combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix well. Store in an air tight container.
Directions: Place 2 or 3 tablespoons in a mug and add boiling water