Sweet Girl just loves granola...well we all do but she especially. I on the other hand hate the high price of good granola. Making your own is so simple and satisfying...not to mention cheaper! There are so many variations you could have a different kind ever day of the week and still not run out of ideas for great granola! Today Sweet Girl chose her favorite, coconut with cinnamon and raisins!
For this recipe you will need
- 4 Cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal (not quick cooking)
- 1 Cup Wheat Germ
- 4 TBSP Brown Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
- 5 TBSP Vegetable Oil
- 3 TBSP Water
- 3 Cups total extras (we used raisins and unsweetened flaked coconut)
Extras that you could use: slivered or sliced almonds, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, chopped pecans or hazelnuts, dark or golden raisins, dried currants, chopped banana chips, chopped dried pineapple, dried blueberries or cherries, chopped dates or mini chocolate chips
Flavorings you could use: cinnamon, ginger, almond extract, orange zest, vanilla extract
Liquid Sweeteners you could use: honey, maple syrup, molasses
Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
In a large bowl mix Oats...
Wheat Germ...
Brown Sugar...
Salt and Cinnamon...
and Coconut...
Mix it all together...
In small microwave safe bowl or small saucepan mix together...
Pure Maple Syrup...
Not forgetting of course to...
Lick the cup!
Whisk Syrup, Oil, and Water together and microwave for approx 1 minute until hot
or simmer on low in saucepan till hot.
Whisk again well and drizzle over dried ingredients...
Stir well...and place on lightly greased large cookie sheet (you may need two since you need to keep it away from the edges so you can stir it later without spilling) or jelly roll pan
Now if you are like me and like little lumps of granola instead of just looses granola here is a trick...
Taking small handfuls at a time squeeze it into little lumps and place back in the pan...
Then you will have cute little lumps of granola...ahhhh!
Place in preheated oven for 30 minutes then...
Add any dried fruit you are using, in the case raisins, mix them in and place back in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until your granola is a deep golden brown. Let cool completely and store in airtight container. It will keep for two weeks...mine usually last about 2 days because...
Kids sure do like its crunchy yummy goodness!
So remember it is always a good morning for great homemade granola!!!
Modified from a recipe found at usaweekend.com
