The Best Granola

The Best Granola Bars (instructions at the bottom)

Granola can be made according to individual taste and the ingredients on hand. The only basic ingredients needed are oats, oil, and sweetener. The proportions depend on individual taste and how "healthy" you want it. Here is a basic recipe with many options.

Combine in a large bowl 7-8 cups dry ingredients:

3-6 cups oatmeal

1/4-1/2 cup each of any of the following: wheat germ, whole wheat flour, bran, cornmeal, coconut, milk powder, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds

1-1 1/2 tsp spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice

Combine separately and add to dry ingredients:

1/2-3/4 cup oil, margarine, or butter, melted
1/2-3/4 cup honey, or brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla or other flavoring

Bake at 350F for 30-45 minutes on large baking sheets until golden brown. Stir occasionally.

After taking granola from oven, add any of the following, if desired:

any dried chopped fruits
Chocolate chips

Add any of the following with wet ingredients: 1/4 cup acceptable juice, 1/2-1 cup peanut butter, 1/2 tsp maple flavoring

TO MAKE THIS RECIPE INTO GRANOLA BARS: Make granola and add 2 beaten eggs and 1/3 cup milk. Press granola into two well-greased 10x15-inch cookie sheets. Bake at 325F until golden brown. Cut into bars immediately. Remove from pans when cool. Increase sweetener if desired. Enjoy