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Granola

I'm not a tree-hugger or anything like that.

I'm not all into natural, or organic, or tofu, or anything that's remotely weird.

But I do think that when you can make your own stuff, it's just better.

I'm not talking mayonnaise, bath soap, or yogurt.

I'm just talking "normal" basics!

Like granola.

Most things, when you make them from scratch, not only is it tastier, but it's cheaper.

Granola is one of those things that, once you make, you'll never want to buy it again!  For one thing, you'll be eating it for a long time!  One batch will make a substantial amount!

I made a very simple granola the other day.  Both of the cherubs have eaten it every day since!  They enjoy topping their yogurt with the crunch goodness.  I find myself having a scoop for a small snack during the afternoon.  It's just sweet enough to satisfy, without being an overload.

You'll like this recipe because it's very forgiving and it's very adaptable. 

Granola

4 cups of old fashioned oats (NOT quick or 1-minute cooking)
1 1/2 cups wheat germ (I used flax seed)
1/2 cup brown sugar
cinnamon to taste (I use a lot of cinnamon because my cherubs really dig it!)
dried fruit; apricots, chopped, craisins, raisins, cherries, blueberries, apples, etc.
chopped nuts, if desired
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla
chocolate chips*

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, cinnamon, fruits and nuts in a large bowl.

Mix oil, honey, and vanilla together.  Pour over the granola and keep tossing until it is entirely coated.  This does take a bit, and it does eventually happen!  I use my hands to get a thorough tossing.

Pour granola onto a jelly roll pan, or the largest pan you have, that's been sprayed with Pam.  Bake for 1-1/2 hours, stirring often so that it won't burn.

Cool and enjoy!

This is great warm! 

*If you want to add chocolate chips, do so after the granola has been cooked and cooled.

**This time around, I used only 1/4 a cup of oil, I used butter rum extract from King Arthur rather than vanilla, and I left out the nuts and chocolate chips.  It all seemed fine to me!


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