Granola

Oh my, I've loved granola since the 1960's & even remember Neil Diamond's "Crunchy Granola " song!  Granola also makes a thoughtful gift for someone & while it's baking, your house will smell wonderful.  Here's an easy recipe, if you love granola, too:

4 cups oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 -1 cup coconut
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/2 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup flax seed

1/4 t. Kosher salt

1/4 t. cinnamon

Mix all of the above in a large bowl.

In a saucepan, heat until warm:

1/3 cup oil

3 T. honey

Whisk in 1 T. vanilla & 1 t. almond extract.  If you don't like almond, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla.

Pour all of this over the oat mixture & coat completely.  Spread on a parchment or silpat covered baking sheet with sides.

Bake at 300 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.   If you love clusters of granola, don't stir at all during baking.  Once it is golden brown, cool completely & then break into chunks.

Store in a covered container & enjoy your homemade granola.  It's yummy to layer granola with some yogurt  & top with berries for a delicious snack or breakfast.

NOTE:  Don't be afraid to omit an ingredient & add what you love to make your own special flavored granola!