~Homemade granola~

I am sharing with you the home made granola recipe I make. Normally I don't measure I just throw in this and that. Today I decided to measure (because my sister Bonnie over at http://crabapplepond.blogspot.com was asking for the recipe).

I have tried other recipes which I find on the internet, but my siblings and dad always say they like the normal one, so I just keep on making it! 

Dry Ingredients:

9 cups of oats (I usually do half quick oats and half old fashioned oats)

1 cup sun flower seeds

1 cup slivered almonds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 

2 Tablspoons cinnamon

1/8 tsp. salt

Optional: 1 1/4 cups dry instant powdered milk  -- this adds a nice sweet flavor and texture. I use it when we have it.

Mix these together in a big bowl:

Liquid Ingredients:

2/3 cup olive oil

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Place these ingredients, except for the vanilla, in a sauce pan and heat on the stove. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Immediately remove from heat and add the vanilla:

Pour over the dry ingredients:

Stir with a wooden spoon. I usually stir till it has cooled slightly, then I use my hands to toss it and mix it really well:

Spread out on 2 greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 5 minutes; stir around with a spatula; bake an additional 5 minutes or until it is beginning to turn brown but not burning! (watch carefully:-)  ).

Cool completely before storing in an air tight container:

Serving suggestions:

~Serve with milk and sprinkle on some raisins

~Serve with yogurt and craisins

~Make berry yogurt parfaits and top with granola