Granola continued...

After I shipped off my fathers care package of treats to him on Friday, I realized I still need to think of something to make for the father’s day celebration I would be attending out here on the west coast…for Tyler’s father.

Since I had just gathered an abundance of granola bar recipes-crunchy, soft, not so crunchy or not so chewy…I had granola on the mind.

I also recalled to myself that every time we house sit for his parents there is a plethora of granola and bran cereals in their pantry.

*light bulb moment!* - well of course! Make Jeff granola cereal, made by yours truly!

 As with the bars you can get very creative here. There are no strict rules. It is your cereal so add what you would like to the oats!

For Jeff, I used- chopped pecans, almonds, and dried cranberries!

So sweet and simple! Once the granola has completely cooled, store in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks. Makes up to 5 cups! 

Homemade Granola Recipe:

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

¾ cup sliced or slivered almonds

½ cup- 1 cup chopped pecans

¼ cup wheat germ-optional

1 tablespoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons canola oil or 2 tbls. unsalted butter; melted

½ cup pure maple syrup

1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots, and/or raisins)-optional

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and place rack in the center of the oven. Either butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, nuts, wheat germ, ground cinnamon, and salt.

In a small bowl, stir together the oil (or melted butter), and maple syrup. Pour mixture over the dry ingredients and toss together, making sure all the dry ingredients are coated with the liquid.
Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30-45 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally so the mixture browns evenly. (The browner the granola becomes without burning-the crunchier the granola will be).

Place on a wire rack to cool. You will notice that the granola may still be sticky when it is removed from the oven but it will become crisp and dry as it cools.

Make sure to break up any large clumps of the granola while the mixture is still warm.

Once the granola has cooled add the dried fruits.

Again, once the granola has cooled, store in an airtight container or plastic bag!