Grandma Bear's "Bestest" Granola

I must say that I think we have the best granola recipe ever!  Well, we sure love it anyway!  We eat it for breakfast with yogurt and fresh fruit or just by itself as a snack, it's wonderful and we would love to share it with you.  It's from the cookbook 'From the Kitchen of Two Sisters', a fabulous cookbook with some amazing recipes that promote healthy eating using natural ingredients.  You can buy your own copy from my store here.

 

Grandma Bear's "Bestest" Granola

Wet Ingredients 

1 c. maple syrup

1 c. honey

1 1/2 c. unsalted butter

1 Tbsp. each maple, vanilla & almond extract

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

1 tea. salt

Dry Ingredients 

12 c. rolled oats

3 c. coconut

1 c sesame seeds

1 1/2 c. pecans - chopped

1 1/2 c. walnuts - chopped

1 1/2 c. almonds - chopped

1 c. raisins (optional)

1 c. dried cranberries (optional)

*I also add about 1/2 c. ground flaxseed

1.  In a sauce pan melt butter.  Add all other wet ingredients and mix well.

2.  Combine the oats, coconut, sesame seeds and nuts in a large bowl.

3.  Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

4.  Bake the granola on cookie sheets in a 350 degree oven for 20 - 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

5.  Add the dried fruit to the cooked granola.

6.  Cool thoroughly before storing.

Makes about 24 cups

Prep. time: 20 - 30 minutes

Cook time: 20 - 30 minutes

I like to make this in bulk and freeze it, then we always have some on hand.  Also I order my dried cranberries from Azure Standard and they are fruit sweetened.