A grand granola gift

Looking for a quick gift from the kitchen? Homemade granola packaged in a half-pint milk bottle is just the ticket. The recipe is super easy to make, and it’s deliciously flavored with maple syrup and dried cranberries.

Rolled oats, sometimes called old-fashioned oats, are the traditional grain used in granola. Beyond that, the sky’s the limit. Use dried cranberries, cherries, apricots or raisins; toss in shredded coconut; sprinkle in seeds like sunflower and sesame; and stir in your favorite nut — almonds, walnuts, pecans or cashews.

This granola is more flakey than clumpy. If you want more clusters, add a bit more maple syrup and don’t stir right after removing it from the oven.

Maple Granola with Cranberries and Almonds

Measure the oil into a measuring cup and swirl it around to coat the inside of the cup. Pour it into the saucepan and then measure the maple syrup into the cup — it will slide out like a charm.

• 4 cups old-fashioned oats (1 pound)
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1⁄3 cup canola oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray
• 2⁄3 cup dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine oats and almonds in a large bowl.

2. Combine oil, maple syrup and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour over oat mixture and mix to combine.

3. Spread evenly in a roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until golden brown.

4. Remove from oven, stir, then let cool in pan on a wire rack. Stir in cranberries. Makes 5 cups.

— Recipe by Jean Kressy