Granola

I've been in search of a granola recipe that might rival the divine blend of nuts and grains I sampled at Costco the other day (I left the store without the granola as I was unwilling to spend seven dollars for a bag of ingredients I had at home). I think this is a perfect time to share this cozy recipe that will fill your home with smells of wholesome and delicious!

This recipe from AllRecipes.com sounded tasty, so I used it as the base:

Ultimate Irresistible Granola
(who could resist with a name like that?)

• 5 c. oatmeal (I used 6 generous cups)
  
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (I left these out)
  
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup sesame seeds (didn't have any on hand - left these out as well)
  
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1 cup canola oil
• 1 1/2 cups honey (Only used 1 c. - thought it was plenty sweet)
  
• 1 cup raisins (I omitted these)
  
• 1 cup dried cranberries (I used less - maybe 1/2 c.)
• 1 t. salt (I added this as one of my favorite granola recipes calls for salt)
• 3 t. vanilla (also my personal addition from another fave recipe)
  
  
  
  . . . D I R E C T I O N S . . .
  
  
  
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C)
  

In a large bowl, stir together the oats, almonds, walnuts, pecans, sesame seeds, wheat germ, coconut and sunflower seeds. In a small pan over medium heat, stir together the oil and honey. I also added the vanilla and salt to this mixture. Cook and stir until blended. You could also do this in a large measuring cup in the microwave, heating for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Pour over the oat mixture, and stir to coat evenly. Spread out in an even layer on two cookie sheets.

Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until the oats and nuts are toasted. * I baked mine for 30 minutes - it was nice and toasty! Immediately after it comes out of the oven, stir in the raisins and dried cranberries. Let stand until cooled, and stir again to break up any large clusters. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, but I guarantee it won't be around that long!

I also like this recipe, supposedly Alton Brown's, from Recipezaar.

xo,
Em