Nutritious granola mix

20 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
4cupsRolled oats
½cupRye flakes -- * see note
½cupWheat flakes -- * see note
¾cupWheat germ
1cupDried coconut
¾cupSunflower seeds
cupMixed nuts -- chopped
¼cupSesame seeds -- dried and
Hulled
½cupPacked dark brown sugar
¾cupSafflower oil -- or Canola
¾cupWater
¼cupHoney
¼cupMolasses
½teaspoonSalt -- to taste
1teaspoonGround cinnamon
teaspoonVanilla extract
2cupsDried fruit -- **see note

Directions

* Rye flakes and wheat flakes can be found at health food stores and some supermarkets. ** Use a variety of dried fruits for interesting taste: raisins, dates, apricots, apples, peaches, etc.

Granola mix: In a large bowl, combine oats, rye, wheat, wheat germ, coconut, sunflower seeds, nuts and sesame seeds. Stir until blended well. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, oil, honey, molasses, salt, vanilla and cinnamon. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. DO NOT boil. Pour syrup over oat mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until syrup coats all ingredients. Spread mixture in two 13 x 9 x 2-inch pans or on 2 large cookie sheets with raised edges.

Bake in preheated 300-degree oven 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For crunchier texture bake 7-10 minutes longer. Cool on racks. Stir in the dried fruit that has been chopped into bite sized pieces. You can put this into containers and keep in cool dry place for up to 6 months. Do not refrigerate.

Yield: About 10 cups.

Recipe By : Jo Anne Merrill