Making Granola

It's been on my mind a lot lately to share about making granola. I love granola, but the price always seem to be steep. On a message board I visit I learned how to make it. Several generous friends shared their recipes with me and I'd like to share them with you. Making granola is easy and it's wonderful to be able to add what you want and what you don't. The price probably isn't that much cheaper than what you buy in the store (I haven't calculated it), but it is a good way to use food storage.

Mama's Granola

1.5 c canola oil
1.5 c honey
8 c rolled oats
1 c raw sliced almonds
1 c raw walnuts (broken)
1 c raw sunflower seeds
1 c flake coconut
1 c powdered milk
1/2 c whole wheat flour

Pour oil into 4c measuring cup. Add honey. Set aside. Mix dry ingredients. Pour in honey & oil; stir until well blended (no dry spots).

Turn into large broiler pan. Bake in pre-heated 300* oven (middle rack) 30 min. Take out and pour back into same mixing bowl. Stir. Return to pan. Bake 15 min & repeat process one more time. (TOTAL BAKING TIME: 1 hour)

When finished pour back into bowl to cool, adding raisins or chopped dates, if desired. Stir occasionally as it cools down.

Heart Healthy Granola (from Skeezics)

Mix in large bowl:

6 cups of rolled oats
2/3 cup wheat germ
2/3 cup of brown sugar
1-tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
2/3 cup chopped almonds
2/3 cup large seeds (sunflower,pepita, pumpkin)
2/3 cup small seeds (flax and sesame)

Mix in small bowl:

2/3 cup of canola oil
1/2 cup of honey
2 tsp. Vanilla

Combine both mixtures, spread on a large, deep oiled pan. Bake at 350 Degrees for 20-30 minutes,stirring 1/2 way through , until golden.

Pour granola back into bowl and stir while granola is cooling. This helps it to dry completely. once completely dry you can store it in an airtight container. Dried fruit may be added after baking.

My friends taught me to play with it. Exchange some nuts for others. Add a little bit less oil. Use almond extract instead of vanilla. One friend even adds mini chocolate chips after it cools (you could do it before as well!) . The chocolate was well received at our house.