For a holiday gift with a personal touch, mix up some homemade granola

As the holidays approach, there's nothing like a homemade gift to eat and share. AP food writer Katie Workman says granola always fits the bill. A beautiful Mason jar full of crunchy, chewy, slightly sweet granola is good for quick breakfasts or snacking any time. It can be customized all kinds of ways, so play around. Change up some dried fruits. Use all maple syrup or all honey. Add a bit of crystallized ginger or a pinch of ground cloves. Consider going nut-free so that anybody with allergies can eat it too. Homemade granolas can contain much less oil and sweeteners than store-bought. Think about adding a little card to the jar with some tips on how recipients can use the granola.