Granola

These days I've been making and eating a lot of granola. Yogurt is plentiful this time of year and mixed with homemade granola it makes a great summer breakfast or mid-day snack. We are sometimes able to find Musli (German granola) here but it is very pricey and somewhere between baby #2 and baby #3 we were no longer able to afford such luxuries. I'm only half kidding.

Anyway, after digging around on the internet and using my imagination (which I happen to have in large quantity) I came up with a simple way to make granola. It's way cheaper and it tastes so much better. (No, really, it does!) It's much better for you than the processed things found on the shelf and it cooks up in about 15 minutes. You'll want to have all the ingredients set up before you start because you have to almost constantly stir it. But you can always take the pan off the burner when you need to and pick up later where you left off. Ask me how I know this.

First, here's what you need: (all measurements are approx. Ingredients can be omited and/or substituted as desired)

• about 2 TBS sunflower or olive oil
• 3 cups rolled oats (doesn't have to be quick cooking)
• 1/2 cup millet
• 1/4 cup hulled sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, pumpkin seeds or other nuts
• 1/2 cup raisins and/or other dried fruit, chopped
• 1/2 -1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• dash of salt
• approx 3 TBSP honey

Directions:

In a medium size skillet on high heat the oil. Add the oats and millet and heat throughout stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes. Add the nuts, seeds and fruit and stir for another minute or so. Take off the heat and and sprinkle in vanilla, cinnamon, salt and honey. Stir to blend. Empty contents of skillet into a 9x13 baking pan and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Break apart and store in an airtight container in cool, dry place.

And voila, there you have it! If you're used to the storebought brands then maybe it'll be a little different. I haven't had American granola in years so I've forgotten what it tastes like. It's probably a bit sweeter than this one but, you can always add more honey or a little brown sugar.

Please let me know if you make this and how it turns out. Also any ides for things to add would be appreciated!