Granola

There is nothing better than fresh, homemade granola. After searching for and trying different recipes I found one that is so simple and so DELICIOUS.

Here is the recipe:

Granola Cereal

4 cups rolled oats, wheat, or barley (or any combination)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds or sesame seeds
1/2 cup walnuts, almonds, or pecans, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey, maple syrup, or a thick syrup made with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2-3 tablespoons water
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla and/or other extract
3/4 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
1. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together except for the dried fruit. Set the dried fruit aside.
2. In another bowl mix the sweetener, oil, and extract together.
3. Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. The liquids will be absorbed and the granola will become darker and shinier.
4. Spread the granola in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for ten minutes. Use a spatula and turn the granola on the baking sheet. Place the granola back in the oven and bake for another ten minutes or until fairly dry and starting to brown. (Granola will become crispier and crunchier as it cools.) Remove the granola from the oven and stir in the fruit. Cool and store in airtight container. Use within two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

I omit the sunflower seeds and add 1/2 cup of coconut instead. Walnuts and dried cranberries are our favorites. Also, I have been making it with honey but I want to try one of the other sweeteners the next time I make it. Let me know if you try this.

Zane helped me measure and stir and then we enjoyed a bowl for lunch.