Homemade Granola

Why, you ask, would you make your own granola when it is so easy to buy at the grocery store? 

I don’t know. 

I guess you’re either the kind of person that homemade granola appeals to or you’re not.  A few of the high points for you haters out there: 1) its easy to modify and personalize 2) you know exactly what is–and what isn’t– in it and 3) its a very easy recipe for kids.  That last reason was my motivating factor this time I made granola.  I was babysitting my niece and nephew and it was a great way to get them in the kitchen.  All of the measurements are easy and even if they “accidentally” added too many crasins, its all good.  Its pretty darn difficult to mess up this recipe.  =)

• 3 cups old fashioned oats (I’ve used regular oats and its just fine)
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• 1-2 Tbs. brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, craisins, apricots, etc.)

Stir all ingredients together and spread on a baking sheet.  Bake at 300 about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  Store in air-tight container in refrigerator.

(And just a few pictures of my niece and nephew making granola because they are just too dang cute.)

(Yes, we live in Wisconsin where even our children wear Packer jerseys!)