This is my mom’s recipe. I made a half-batch with what ingredients I had on hand. It is a very ‘light’ granola, with quite a small proportion of oil and sweeteners added, so it doesn’t form the typical granola ‘clumps’ when baked. It’s almost more like a sweetened, toasted muesli. Very good!! :)

inthebowl

GRANOLA

10 cups oatmeal (can be either quick cook or old-fashioned—it turns out a little different, but both are good)
½ tsp salt
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup oil
½ cup honey (I sometimes use part molasses)
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup oat germ (opt)
1 cup sunflower seeds
½ – 1 cup flax (opt)
1 – 2 cups nuts (slivered, sliced or chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans—whatever you have)
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla

Mix altogether and spread in two 9×13 pans or a couple of cookie sheets (with sides!) and put in 275-300 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven, dump into large bowl and add 2-3 cups dried fruits. I usually use raisins or cranberries, but I’ve also used papaya, pineapple, apricots. Apricots tend to get pretty hard and chewy if you don’t use the granola quickly enough. You can also add fresh fruit to the cereal when you eat it. I cool it thoroughly and store it in a large glass jar or other airtight container.

Other options to add are: sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut.

If I add quite a variety of dry ingredients, I sometimes add a little water to the mix before baking. It depends on how moist or crumbly you like your granola.

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What I Made:

5 cups quick cook oatmeal
½ cup wheat germ
½ cup flax seeds
1 cup (approx) walnut pieces
½ tsp cinnamon
pinch salt
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup canola oil
¼ cup honey
2 capfuls vanilla

Mix dry ingredients together well. Add wet ingredients and mix altogether. Spread in a 9×13 pan and roast in 275*F oven for about 30 – 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven, and allow to cool.

inthepan

Store in a covered container. Serve with milk (though good as a dry snack, as well). Add a handful of raisins, if you like, when you eat it.

readytoeat