Homemade Stove Top Granola

Homemade Stove Top Granola 3 handfuls chewy dried fruit (raisins, dates, figs, apples, apricots, etc.) 3 tablespoons water, more as needed 1 cup rolled oats or kamut or rye flakes, optional 1/3 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts, almonds or pecans) 1/3 cup wheat germ, ground flaxseed or pumpkin seeds 1/3 cup sesame seeds 1/3 cup sunflower seeds 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) In a food processor, add the dried fruit and water. Puree and add water as needed until it becomes fully blended and is a sticky ball. Set aside. Add the oats and nuts to a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, paying attention to turn ingredients over. They will start to become slightly golden and toasted. Add the rest of the ingredients to the skillet and continue stirring and turning for about 10 more minutes until it's all golden and smells toasted. Add the sticky ball of fruit and, using a plastic spatula, chop the ball up until it is evenly divided and coated with the nuts and seeds. Altering the amount of fruit will increase or decrease the sweetness and gives the granola that chewy texture. Serve warm or cold on its own, over fresh or warmed fruit or with plain yogurt or milk. Would also be great as a topping to a baked fruit dessert! Store in the refrigerator.