Thursday, March 15, 2012

Need Comfort Food? Try Granola!


It's hearty, it's full of fiber, has some protein and PLENTY of flavor! Not to mention, while it is baking it fills your home with a delicious aroma. In addition to eating the granola with milk, it rocks parfait-style with vanilla yogurt and strawberries! Make sure to see the notes following the recipe and enjoy :-)


Granola a la Stephanie

7 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup wheat germ
2 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup water
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, pecans, coconut, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, oil, water, vanilla, and salt. Pour liquid mixture over the oat mixture and toss until dry ingredients are coated. Spray two 15" x 10" baking pans with non-stick spray and spread the granola in both pans.

Bake at 275 degrees Farenheit for 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes. Bake until lightly toasted and no longer damp. Watch carefully at the hour mark, if you need to bake longer, so it doesn't get dark. Let cool and store in airtight containers.

******NOTES: Options include adding cinnamon and/or raisins, or omitting coconut/sunflower seeds/pecans. If you don't want it as sweet, cut back on the sugar to your taste. Substitute any goodies you wish! For east of stirring while in pans because they will be full, split between three pans if your oven can juggle them without blocking good heat.circulation.