okara sunshine granola •

I have mentioned before about the early morning rush at our house. Anything that can be pulled out of the pantry, blurry-eyed, and eaten without too much fuss rates big here. I try and keep granola made up since it fits that criteria. It cuts down on the consumption of ready-made cereal, too. 

Okara Sunshine Granola •

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl combine:

1/2 cup orange juice

1 cup wet okara (this is referring to the okara straight from your machine)

1/4 cup canola oil

3 teaspoons orange extract

In a large mixing bowl combine:

4 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup ground flaxseed 

1/2 cup ground walnuts

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup brown sugar

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. You might have to end up using your hands. In two (greased) 9" x 13" pans, crumble the granola mixture evenly. Bake mixture 30 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, breaking apart clumps if necessary until slightly browned. After 25 minutes, add 2/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries and 2/3 cup chopped dates. Check often in the last 5 to 10 minutes, and do not allow the granola to brown too much. Let the granola cool in the pans completely. Store in a closed container.