Easy, Yummy Granola

This is an old favorite, and I like it much better than the recipe I tried last week (probably because that other recipe is better for you). This is a recipe from my neighbor, the same one I got the bread recipe from,; I like to refer to it as "Souped-up Wheaties." I've only omitted one ingredient - sesame seeds.

It's sweet and chewy enough that you don't need to add any dried fruit like raisins or dates, but I'm sure you could could toss them in after baking it.

In a large bowl mix together 8 cups oats, 1-2 cups wheat germ

8 cups of wheat or bran flakes (I used Wheaties, but if they still made Team that's what I'd use - remember that cereal?)

1 cup of slivered almonds

2 cups of coconut

1 cup of sunflower seeds

At this point, realize that your bowl isn't large enough to allow you to actually mix the ingredients and switch it for the lid of the cake holder. Mix well.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, bring 2 cups brown sugar,

1/2 cup water or apple juice (I actually had some leftover apple syrup and used 1 cup),

and 2/3 cup oil

to a boil.

Remove from heat and add 2 tbsp vanilla, stir. Pour over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Pour onto two large cookie sheets.


Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Rotate cookie sheets and place the bottom sheet on the top rack and top sheet on bottom rack. Bake for 15 minutes more. Cool, break apart and store. Or pour yourself a bowl and enjoy!

I definitely recommend using the apple syrup in place of the water or apple juice - it makes for a better tasting granola and holds it together better.

Apple Syrup
Boil the following until well mixed:
1 C. applesauce
1 10-ounce jar apple jelly
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves

Delicious over french toast!