Description:
My Mom has been making this granola for over 40 years. There are lots of optional ingredients. In fact you can add just about anything you want. In recent years I have adapted it a bit further by adding ground flax seed (good for your cholesterol) and pumpkin seeds (to boost metabolism). Head to the bulk food store and pick ingredients to suit your own tastes!
I gave jars of this to friends last Christmas and the recipe was requested, so, here it is! The batch I gave as gifts had the main recipe plus apples, cinnamon, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, dried blueberries and dried cherries.
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
6 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped nuts - walnuts, almonds or pecans
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (shelled)
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup (scant) liquid honey
Directions:
Stir dry ingredients in a large bowl until evenly mixed.
Whisk oil, water, and honey together and add to dry ingredients. Stir well to ensure dry ingredients are evenly coated.
Spread out on two cookie sheets and bake (stirring occasionally) at 200 F for 1 3/4 to 2 hours until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Cool and then salt to taste (don't skip this it really does need a bit of salt).
Keep in a sealed container (in the fridge if it lasts that long).
Variations
1. Add 1 cup peeled chopped apple and 1 tsp. cinnamon before baking.
2. Add 1/2 cup each of raw sunflower seeds and sesame seeds before baking.
3. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips when completely cool.
4. Add 1/2 cup raisins when cool.
5. Add 1 cup dried fruit after baking (apricots, currants, cranberries, blueberries, or cherries).
