Crunchy Granola

On a Snowy, blustery Monday

I've decided to make something

that I haven't made in such a long time!

Back in the day

 when we both had long flowing hair,

 were newly married,

 wore bell bottom jeans,

 had a green shag carpet,

 a roll-away bed for a sofa,

 and our bedroom was painted mauve,

 I used to make my own granola.

Here is the old recipe from way back when.....

Crunchy Granola

8 Cups course rolled oats

2 Cups Wheat Germ

1 ½ Cups Oat Bran - I used Wheat Bran this time

½ Cup Sesame Seeds

½ Cup ground flax seed

1 Cup Sunflower Seeds - added some pumpkin seeds as well

2 Cups unsweetened coconut

1 Cup each of chopped almonds, chopped pecans, chopped walnuts

½ Cup Brown Sugar

1 tsp. salt

¼ Cup Maple Syrup

½ Cup Honey

½ Cup molasses - I used black strap molasses which makes the cereal quite dark in colour

1 Cup Oil (use coconut oil or olive oil as a healthy choice)

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. vanilla

2-3 Cups dried fruit such as raisins, currants, craisons, etc. – add after granola is baked and cooled.

Mix grains, seeds, nuts, coconut, sugar and salt in a large roasting pan.  Blend the honey, syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and oil and stir into cereal mixture.  Mix well.  Bake at 325F for about 1 ¼ hours – stirring every 10 minutes until oats are crisp and golden.  Can be baked on two parchment lined cookie sheets if desired.  Cool and add dried fruit.  Store in airtight containers.  I like to put extra into zip lock bags and store in the freezer.

Serve with fresh fruit and yogurt or add a sliced banana and milk for a delicious breakfast cereal.

Now I can fill the "cookie" jar with this healthy breakfast cereal

a great alternative to all the unhealthy things

we have been eating lately.  

Are you trying to eat healthier after being in Christmas mode?

Next week I want to do my seasonal 7 day detox

and hopefully the granola will be satisfying 

for the farmer who doesn't always like eating 

what I eat during that week.

Till next time .............. have a wonderful healthy week!