Granola: Homemade Goodness

So, I've been thinking a lot lately about how I need to get off my lazy keister (yes, I'll admit that) and start giving some wholesome goodness to my family. That means making more foods, with less and better ingredients, and buying less pre-packaged, loaded with who-knows-what, I can't pronounce that, stuff. Don't get me wrong, I didn't jump on the bandwagon, slap the horse, and take off at breakneck speed. But...I am moving forward...slowly...and enjoying the progress I've made so far.

One of the recipes I have become hooked on is for granola. I really like granola, and could probably eat it every morning if it weren't so expensive and full of fat! So, a few weeks ago, I found this recipe for granola from the kitchen sink recipes and it is wonderful! I do have to say that even though I am going to reprint her original recipe, I did not follow it to the letter. But first, here is the original recipe:

Granola

3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened
3 tablespoons flax seeds
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup toasted mixed nuts, chopped (I used pistachios and almonds here)
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups mixed dried fruit (I used raisins and dried cherries and cranberries here)

Preheat the oven to 375. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the dried fruit. Stir well to incorporate.

Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the depth of goldenness you’re looking for), stirring every 10 minutes.

Remove the granola from the oven and and cool completely, in its pan, on a wire rack. Once the granola is cool, mix in the dried fruit.

And it looks like this in all it's yummy goodness:

Too bad I can't share the smell with you as it was baking in my oven today...mmmmmmm. Well, I guess you will just have to make it for yourself. Make sure you get the first taste of it 'cause it won't last long!

Oh, here are the modifications I made, but feel free to make your own, based on your tastes.
-I omitted the coconut (boo for me, but my love is not a fan)
-No sesame seeds, either. Not a pantry item, and I didn't feel like adding them.
-I decreased the flax seeds to 2 Tbs. on my second batch. Don't make me explain why! =)
-I used chopped pecans for the nuts - Yumm-o!
-Sad to say, I don't have pure maple syrup, so I had to omit that. For my second batch, I increased the vanilla to 1 Tbs. My feeling is: if a little vanilla is good, more is better!
-Craisins & dried cherries were my fruits of choice.

One last tip: watch your baking time. My granola was done in just under 20 minutes, and you do not want this to burn! So be sure to stir at the 10 minute mark and let your nose and eyes be your guides more than the timer.

Enjoy! =)