Granola!

When it finally occurred to me that granola is "just" oatmeal (yes, I was slow about realizing that) it dawned on me just how much money I was wasting buying it. Even if I did buy it from the bulk bins. So, I have been on a quest to not only create the perfect granola recipe, but also the perfect granola bar recipe. The quest for the perfect granola bar is still going, but I may share some of the creations so far. Luke has enjoyed most of them at least. The granola recipe I am giving you is open to variety - the sky is the limit. It's sooo yummy like I do it, but I'm giving you a few suggestions if you want to change it up.

Now for today's recipe - Granola!
You can double or triple this recipe if you want, but this is a "basic" amount, if you make it weekly-ish.

Ingredients:

2 cups oats (NOT the instant or quick oatmeal stuff, the good old OATS that make oatmeal (and cookies, and muffins, and breads, and bars...)

2 tbsp butter (or oil if you prefer - weirdo!)

1 tsp cinnamon (not everyone like cinnamon as much as I do, you could cut it in half or even omit it)
1/2 tsp vanilla (or any other liquid flavor - maple, coconut, almond...)

3 tbsp (packed AND heaping) brown sugar

2 tbs honey (or agave nectar - and peanut butter or tahini should work too!)

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Preheat the over to 300*.

Put the oats in a bowl (big enough to mix the other stuff into).

In a skillet (you should hear my son say that word - HILARIOUS!) on the stove, mix the butter, cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and honey while heating over med-low heat.

Keep stirring & heating until the mixture is pretty liquidy (I don't think that's a word, huh?) & the sugar is starting to dissolve. Don't cook it too long or it might start to crystallize.

Pour the liquid into the oats & stir until they are well coated. It might seem like there isn't enough liquid - just keep stirring!

Spread the oat mixture on a cookie sheet/pan. I prefer to line it with parchment paper for ease of removal & clean up. :)

Cook for 30-40 minutes total. Be sure to stir the mixture up at least once (every 10 minutes is ideal, but I live in the real world...).

Oh - did I mention - make this right before you have company. Not because you're gonna share, but because it will make your house smell really good!

Once it cools, the granola will be crunchy & yummy & ready to eat! ...OR... you can add nuts, dried fruit, or whatever else you like to it, then eat it. (Dried cranberries + walnuts are my favorite addition.)