mmm... home-made granola

This weekend Mama Jo and I slaved over a hot stove and oven to make the most delicious granola. I don't know what I love about it... it's just the perfect combination of crunchy and sweet. There are lots of nuts, and other healthy things, so I feel like I'm eating something good. And I never put in raisins... yuck! Hope you enjoy it, I think it's the best!





10 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 lb. shredded coconut
2 cups raw sunflower seeds
1 cup sesame seeds
3 cups chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts or combination
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp cinnamon
Raisins or other dried fruits, if desired

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl combine oats, wheat germ, coconut, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and nuts. Blend well. In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, oil, honey, molasses, salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Heat until sugar is dissolved, but do not boil. Pour syrup over dry ingredients and stir until well-coated. Spread into five 13" x 9" baking pans, or cookie sheets. Bake 20 - 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Bake 15 minutes longer for crunchier texture. (I love a mixture of crunchier, and not so crunchy.) Cool. Add raisins or other dried fruit, if desired. Put in airtight containers, use within 6 months.