Granola

I love this recipe.  It came from my Mom and I have just changed it a bit.  My friends love it so much I often give it in large jars for gifts.  It is easy, makes a very large batch (lasts us about 2 weeks) and we all love it.  Warm or cold, with milk or yogurt or over ice cream it is delicious.  And, even with all of that sugar, more healthy than anything I can buy!  Try it out.

Granola

10 cups oatmeal
1 cup wheat germ
puffed rice
puffed corn
coconut
nuts
sunflower seeds
dried fruit
3 cups brown sugar
2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup honey
2 tsp. salt
4 tsp vanilla (divided)
2/3 cup hot water

In very large bowl mix together:
10 cup oatmeal (non-instant, rolled oats from food storage, instant works too if that is what you have)
1 cup wheat germ
2 cups puffed rice
1 cup puffed corn
1 cup organic coconut
peanuts, sunflower seeds, or any other nuts or dried fruit you like or have on hand
if you don't want or have the puffed rice or corn then add more oatmeal.

In a microwave safe bowl (that holds at least 8 cups) dissolve the brown sugar in 2/3 cup hot water.  Add 2 tsp. vanilla and 1 cup honey.  Boil in microwave for 1 minuter.  Cool slightly.  Add oil and and remaining 2 tsp. vanilla. Pour over and mix in with dry ingredients.  Mix until well coated.  Spread into 2 large ungreased cookie sheets  (with a lip around the edge)
Bake at 250 for 1 hour.  Remove from oven, cool for 3-5 minutes ONLY, then scrape out of pan into airtight container or ziplock bags.  If you leave it longer to cool it will be VERY STUCK to the pan so be careful!

Delicioius.  We love it!