Granola, Plain

Granola, Plain

8 cups oats (old fashioned, rolled)
8 oz. coconut, optional
1½ cups wheat germ or wheat bran
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups nuts, chopped (pecans, almonds, etc.)
½ cup sunflower seeds
2 Tb. sesame seeds, optional
½ cup water
½ cup oil
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla, optional

Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Combine the water, oil, peanut butter, honey, and vanilla in another  bowl or measuring cup. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm and easily mixed together.  Pour liquid over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well mixed. Spread granola on two greased baking sheets. Bake for 45- 60 minutes at 250°. Stir and switch location of baking sheets. Actually, the stirring is optional. If you don’t stir your granola until it has cooled, you end up with “clumpier” granola. Bake for an additional 45-60 minutes (1½ to 2 hours total). Add dried fruit or other items as desired. This makes a chunky, nice granola.

Becky's Note:  I love granola.  I like this recipe better because it seems a little bit healthier (the one cup of brown sugar in this Plain Granola recipe makes it taste like candy!).  Although I would never claim that granola is low calorie, I love that by making it myself I can control how much sugar and oils go into the recipe.  In comparison to other breakfast cereal, homemade granola is full of whole grains and very simple ingredients!