Homemade Granola

Since I was a child, my mom has made Granola.  My parents said it was cheaper and healthier than the stuff you bought in the store.  

Now I understand why: 

•no preservatives (or very few at least)

•no corn syrup

•it helps with digestive & heart health

•it's a hearty breakfast, so it sticks with you all morning without that dreaded mid-morning crash

   My family recently visited my parents and Mom had just made a fresh batch of Granola.  Just tasting it took me back to my childhood! But more shockingly, my husband loved it and asked for the recipe right away.  You see, my husband is a southerner through-and-through, and nothing tastes right unless it is slathered in gravy or deep fried.  He doesn't do that hippie ... uh, well, "GRANOLA stuff."  But, this stuff....THIS was different.  And more importantly, his tummy was happy with him all day.

   So, I'll let you in on a piece of my childhood using this recipe:

•2 cups old-fashioned oats

•2 cups quick oats

•1 1/2 cups of wheat germ (you will find this in the cereal aisle)

•1/4 cup powdered milk

•1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

•2 Tbsp brown sugar

*Mix together in a large bowl*

*In a sauce pan heat the following until it is warm:

•1/3 cup oil (I prefer olive, but any cooking oil will do)

•1/2 cup honey

•1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry mixture and stir until it is coated.  Then choose which cooking method you would like to use:

•cook on a cookie sheet for 1 hour at 250, stirring occasionally 

   -or-

•Cook in a cookie sheet for 30 minutes at 300, stirring occasionally 

  -or-

•microwave in a large glass bowl for 4 minutes, stirring after each minute.

Now comes the fun part! I love this recipe because it is very versitle!  Here are some suggestions of healthy items to add to your granola:

•chia seed

•sunflower seeds

•pumpkin seeds

•raisins

•other dried fruit, such as apricots, peaches, pears, dates, prunes, papaya, mango, blueberries, cherries, cranberries

•almonds, cashews, pecans, etc.

--> Store in an Airtight container

•For those of you who are practicing "clean eating", I believe this recipe meets the criteria, with the exception of the powdered milk.  This could easily be left out without altering the consistency and taste very much.