Easy Homemade Granola

Here is my favorite recipe for granola.  It is quick and easy and tastes good and is good for you!  This recipe is a very basic granola recipe.  You can add different kinds of nuts, I have done pecans, walnuts and sunflower seeds, even throw in some coconut flakes!  And mix up your dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, cherries, diced pineapple, chopped dates, dried apples, or coconut flakes.  All of these are delicious and healthy!


Ingredients:
7 c. rolled oats
1 c. wheat germ
2 c. almonds
1/2 c. canola oil
1 c. maple syrup
1 T. vanilla extract
4 c. dried fruit ( Here, I am using dried blueberries) 

In a very large bowl combine the oats, nuts, and wheat germ.  Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, maple syrup, and vanilla.  Pour over the dry mixture, tossing until everything in combined.

Spread granola mixture on a couple large, lightly greased baking sheets.  Preheat oven to 250F.  Bake fore 90 min. stirring the mixture and rotating pans every 15 min. or so.

When the granola is lightly golden brown, remove it from the oven and cool completely on the pans.  Transfer granola to a air tight storage container.  Add the dried blueberries.  I like to shake the container to combine the fruit.  The granola will last up to several weeks at room temp.  Enjoy!!

                        Delightfully filling bowl of whole-grain granola
                                               mmmmmm!!