Granola

What a word; GRANOLA.  My first understanding of it was a rock-hard-difficult-to-eat-because-it-took-forever-to-chew breakfast food that my parents inexplicably liked. When I was in HS it had a hippie connotation, rife with dred-locks, environmental protests and social revolution.  2010... the term is golden!  It has become edible again but no longer teeth breaking rocks in your mouth, but the best of breakfasts, snacks, toppings and tasty-ness! Now, it is chic, and a sign that one is health conscious and naturally oriented and when I make it myself I get Martha points! (SO rare for me!) 
I recently captured myself on digital 'film' making the delicacy. I thought I'd share...but I still get all the goods at the end...yum 4 me!


First take a big pot/bowl/food safe container.  ( I do not recommend paper or plastic bags though paper sounds like it could do like the whole caramel popcorn thing and some say its easier to mush around in plastic; in actuality I think you waste too much pricey honey.)
ADD:
4 c rolled oats
1 c chopped nut (any combination, almonds, pumpkin seeds, flax seed etc)
¾ t salt
½ c coconut
½ c seasame seeds

I usually double this recipe--and I quadruple the oats to make it stretch farther. (I also add more oil and honey when I quadruple the oats. This recipe is congruent though.)


Then in a blender mix: (be careful not to burn out your motor!)
½ c honey
½ t vanilla
1/3 c oil 
1 tsp cinnamon 

Combine with oat mix and spread on cookie sheets 

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until "golden" ;) Here you can see the difference between uncooked and "golden"...

break up and put in container - I like the cereal containers but even zip-locks will work.

mix in 1 cup dried fruits 

Enjoy as cereal or topped on yogurt, as a great trail mix, or a quick snack. 

Go ahead, go granola!