Homemade Granola

Several years ago, Heidi shared this great recipe with me for Homemade Granola.  I absolutely love it!  It makes a bunch and keeps for several months in an air tight container (about 4 months).  We love to eat it in the morning as cereal, on top of yogurt or in a yogurt parfait, as a topping for ice cream, or even just a trail mix for a hike.   It makes a great gift idea too!

Homemade Granola

9 Cups Oats (not quick oats)

1/2 Cup Coconut

3/4 Cup Cream of Wheat

1 Cup Brown Sugar

Mix these dry ingredients together until well incorporated.  Set aside.

Melt together in a saucepan:

1 Stick of Butter

2 Tbsp. Orange Juice

1/2 Cup Honey

1 tsp. Vanilla

Allow the melted mixture to cool just a bit and then add to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. 

Spread mixture out evenly on a cookie sheet and cook in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes- slightly brown on top.

Let mixture cool completely and then add dry fruits and nuts of your choice!  I added chopped pecans, dried cherries, and dates here.  I added about 3/4 Cup each but you could add as much or little to your taste.    You could also add raisins, walnuts, yogurt bites, dried apricots, dried bananas, or so much more.  Enjoy!!