Fuel for the Daily Adventure

At our latest MOPS meeting, we had a great time with Lydia demonstrating how to make homemade granola. Here's the recipe to this wonderful snack we got to enjoy!

Lydia's Homemade Granola Recipe:
2 c. rolled oats (not instant)
1 c. peanuts or toasted almonds
1/4 c. sesame seeds
1/2 c. toasted sunflower seeds
1/2 c. coconut
1/4 c. toasted wheat germ (not necessary all the time)
1/4 c. cooking oil (use a flavorless oil like canola or vegetable)
1/2 c. honey (use honey from a local farm)
1/2 c. raisins or craisins
1/2 c. dried fruit of your choice

Mix the oats, nuts, and grains in a large bowl. Measure oil into the measuring cup and swirl it around before pouring into bowl. Then measure out the honey in the same, unwashed cup. The oil will help the honey exit the cup. Toss everything together until evenly coated and then pour out into a baking pan. I use a large roasting pan as it keeps everything contained. A cookie sheet with a lip also works, but you have to stir it slightly more carefully if you use a shallow pan. Bake at 3o0 degrees for 30 minutes, turning it with a spatula every ten minutes or so. You want everything to be golden brown. When granola is finished baking, return the baked granola to the mixing bowl, add the raisins and fruit and stir to combine.

Random tips for great granola:
*Don't use quick oats! Quick oats make granola cluster better but your granola will taste of raw starch. Old fashioned oats will make your granola nice crisp and golden.
*Bake at a low temperature. This helps the cereal to crisp up and brown thoroughly and evenly. The key is to cook granola until it is an impressive golden brown.
*Just a pinch of salt brings out the grains flavors.
*Always add the fruit at the end or in the middle. This will help the cereal not to get soggy.
*Raisins burn easily. Add after baking!

Granola is great eaten with yogurt or your favorite cereal. It can also be given away as gifts (perfect for a hostess gift) or used as a bedtime snack for kids.