SMOKED TRAIL MIX GRANOLA 

Trail mix is a must have for the "trail" of course, but it's also nice to have around for a healthy snack or quick breakfast parfait with yogurt and fruit. In this recipe, adding a hint of smoke to the oats gives the granola a deeper flavor profile. If looking to add even more smokiness, the nuts, butter and honey can also be smoked. 

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 cup sweetened coconut

1 cup chopped almonds

1 cup chopped peanuts

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla

1/3 teaspoon salt

1 cup dried apples

1/2 cup cashews

1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries

1/2 -1 cup of dark chocolate chips or chunks 

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare Little or Big Chief Smoker by filling the pan half-way with wood chips. Always make sure clean foil lines the smoker pan to avoid off-flavors. Preheat smoker until chips begin to smoke.

Place rolled oats on a double layer of teflon screens atop a smoker rack. Spread oats out into a thin layer. If desired, put honey and/or butter in a shallow dish and place on a smoker rack. Smoke 30 minutes using about 3/4 pan of chips.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey or maple syrup and salt and stir until combined. Remove from heat, cool slightly and add vanilla.

Place smoked oats in a large mixing bowl. Add coconut, chopped almonds, chopped peanuts, and raisins and mix well. Pour butter mixture over oat mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spread granola mixture out into a thin layer on a large baking sheet. Bake 30-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes or so to ensure even cooking time. Remove from oven and let cool.

Once granola mixture is completely cooled, add dried apples, cashews, dried cranberries, and dark chocolate chips or chunks. Store in an airtight container up to a week or vacuum seal for longer term storage.

Recipe by: Tiffany Haugen