Granola

So my Sister-in-Law wanted our granola recipe and I failed to get it to her in a timely manner so she found one elsewhere.  While talking about it, she said that her husband doesn't like coconut so she altered the recipe to have less, or none at all.  I am afraid she will have to alter this recipe too because my family likes coconut, and not only is there coconut in this recipe, I add coconut flavoring to give it a little more flavor!  Anyway, here it is...

1 2lb 10oz box old fashioned rolled oats
2 C unsweetened shredded coconut
2 C wheat germ
1 C whole wheat flour
1 t. salt
1 C raw nuts of choice, chopped
2 C dried fruit of choice

Mix all of the above except the dried fruit in a LARGE bowl and blend the following in a blender till smooth.

1 C chopped dates
3/4 C oil
1/2 C honey
3/4 C water
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. almond extract
1/2 t. coconut flavoring

Mix wet and dry ingredients together till well blended, and bake at 250 stirring every 20-30 minutes till lightly browned and dry.  Remove from oven and add 2C dried fruit.  Let cool, and store in airtight container.  If you add the fruit before it is done cooking, it has a tendency to dry out and become tough.  So adding it right after coming out of the oven still allows it to get warm and kinda stick to some of the other ingredients without it becoming too tough to chew!