Good Old Granola

I'll never understand why granola is so darn expensive at the grocery stores. My mom has made her own for years (a dyed-in-the-wool hippie) and it's delicious ... and costs almost nothing to make! Here is her fool-proof recipe:

Lynn's Great Granola

4 cups organic rolled oats
1/4 cup canola or sunflower oil
3 Tbsp. honey
1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. allspice
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup apple sauce
1-2 tsp. salt (to taste)
1/2 cup dried fruits (optional)

Mix oil and honey together and heat in the microwave for about 15 seconds (this makes it so the honey gets distributed more evenly). In a bowl, stir together oats, oil & honey mixture, walnuts, cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, apple juice, apple sauce, and salt until evenly distributed.

Spread the mixture onto a large sheet pan (with sides).

Bake for 20-25 minutes on 350 degrees F (this varies from oven to oven, so the time or temperature might need to be adjusted), stirring occasionally. The final product should be golden (it will crisp-up as it cools).

Once done, allow the granola to cool. Transfer to a storage container and stir in dried fruits.

And there you have it! Delicious (and nutritious) and inexpensive homemade granola!

~ Mari