crunchy granola

okay, i wouldn't say that i am being converted to granola-ism and hippie-ness.  but i do love this recipe for homemade granola.  it tastes good and the smell of it baking is almost the best smell in the world.  i have finally gotten my hands back on this recipe (courtesy of the fabulous ashley lovell dalton) and i am going to make sure it is documented in many places.  so, because of that, i am going to share it with all of you.

homemade granola

4 c. old-fashioned oats

1 1/2 c. sliced almonds (or nut/seed of your choice)

1/2 c. packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 c. canola oil

1/4 c. honey

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. raisins or craisins

*preheat oven to 300 degrees F

*in a bowl, combine oats, almonds, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

*in a saucepan, warm the oil and honey- whisk or stir in vanilla.  carefully pour liquid over oat mix.  stir gently with a wooden spoon; finish mixing by hand.

*spread granola in a 15x10x1 inch baking/jelly roll pan.

*bake 40 minutes, carefully stirring every 10 minutes.

*transfer granola-filled pan to a rack; cool completely.  after cooled, stir in raisins/craisins.

-store at room temperature for 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

make it yourself and enjoy.  you will thank me (and ashley) for sharing its goodness with you.

*p.s.  i am still having a blog identity crisis.  it may change colors and styles frequently over the next few days/weeks, whatever.