Yummy Granola

My cousin Jess sent me a fabulous granola recipe. Her family is expert at making wonderful granolas and healthy foods. The first time I made it--lets just say it was a slight disaster. I was a little distracted. It is very easy and this time it turned out perfectly. It is great for breakfast with milk or as a dry snack any time.

Granola

Dry Ingredients (8-9 cups)

4 cups rolled oats

(you can also substitute cups of wheat germ, wheat bran, or oat bran)

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup crushed flaxseed

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp cinnamon

Wet Ingredients (2-2 1/2 cups)

3/4 cup sunflower oil

1/4 cup water

1 cup maple syrup (or substitute 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup honey)

2 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: chopped dried fruits

(cranberries, apricots, raisins, etc.)

DIRECTIONS:

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Mix wet ingredients in a small microwaveable bowl and heat for 30-45 seconds until they are thoroughly mixed. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix to coat everything well.

Spread granola out no more than an inch thick in two 9x13 baking pans. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 1/2 -2 hours depending on desired crunchiness. Stir granola in pans every 30 minutes so it bakes evenly. Add dried fruit after baking.