Crunchy Homemade Granola

If you didn't already think I was a tree hugging hippie, with my (semi) organic gardening and composting, then this post probably proves it once and for all.

Granola has become one of the things I never buy in the grocery store. Especially once I realized how cheap I can make it on my own, how much more I get, and how I can control what goes in, or stays out.


I literally eat granola every day for breakfast. I buy a big carton of vanilla yogurt (less plastic waste than the smaller individual packages!), and in the morning I spoon out some into a resuable container and add some frozen fruit. By the time I'm ready to eat it at work, the fruit has thawed and I sprinkle on some of the granola, which I keep in separate small reusable container at my desk.

Between the anti-oxidants, the fiber and the calcium, it's a satisfying, healthy way to start the day.

This recipe will make a huge batch, so especially around the holidays, or maybe part of a house warming gift, you can package some of the granola up and give away to friends. Put it in a Mason jar, tie a ribbon around it, and maybe even make up your own label if you're feeling really motivated.

Granola
Ingredients:

3/4 c. Vegetable oil
3/4 c. Honey
Splash of vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsbp brown sugar
5 c. Rolled oats (not quick cooking)
3 c. Grape Nuts cereal
Dried fruit and nuts of your choice (I like rsisins, craisins, soy nuts, and sunflower seeds)

Warm oil, honey and vanilla ini microwave (about 1 minute).
Stir in rolled oats, grape nuts, brown sugar and cinnamon.
Pour onto cookie sheet and bake in a 300 degree oven for about a half hour, sifting it a few times.
Let cool and then add fruit and nuts.

Enjoy hippie!