Homemade Granola 101

A couple of weeks ago, I bought an expensive bag of granola at the farmers market. It was $8 a pound - yes, I am insane for paying $8 for a bag of granola. I thought I could make it last by just sprinkling a handful on top of my regular cereal or yogurt. My husband, however, had other ideas. I think he used half of the bag in his first bowl of cereal. I almost fell down with shock when I realized how quick that bag of granola was going to last us.

I made granola years and years ago, I knew I could make granola cheaper than $8 a pound. I went out and bought a few ingredients to whip up a huge batch. I spent about $4 in the bulk foods section of the grocery.
This granola recipe is easy, healthy and delicious. It makes about 8 cups of granola and it will keep nicely in a sealed container for a couple of weeks.

Granola

3.5 cups of old fashioned oats - do not use quick cooking oats!
1 C whole almonds
1/2 C wheat germ
1 C unsweetened coconut flakes
1/3 C of pumpkin seeds or flax seeds (I used pumpkin seeds)
1 C dried fruit (I used 1/2 C dried cranberries and 1/2 C dried, chopped apricots)
1 T cinnamon
1 T vanilla
1 t salt
1/4 C vegetable oil
1/4 C honey
2 T maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl mix together all the ingredients. Stirring to coat well.
Pour onto the baking sheet and spread out into an even layer. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so. Watch this closely because the nuts will burn.

Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Serve with milk or yogurt, or by itself as a snack.