Granola

I woke up this morning with a taste for yogurt mixed with homemade granola.  However, there was no granola in the pantry and I had to settle for something else. So that I wouldn't have to disappoint myself again tomorrow, I added making granola to my list of activities for the day. Before I could get around to the job, though, I learned that today was National Cereal Day.  There are no coincidences--now I had to do the job!

I've been using the same basic granola recipe for years.  Like most of my go-tos, this one is open to a lot of improvising.   The basics are old-fashioned oats, wheat germ or flax seed, a dry and a liquid sweetener, an oil, and water. Then you add extra ingredients (think dried fruits, nuts, coconut, chocolate chips) to make it yours. This dish does have a lengthy baking time, so I always double the recipe.  It keeps for up to two weeks in an airtight container, although it never lasts that long around here.

The granola is still soft when it comes out of the oven, but it crisps up as it cools.  Tonight I didn't wait for that to happen.  Instead, I scooped some of the fresh-from-the-oven goodness immediately into a bowl.

Simple Granola

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (Do NOT use quick oats!  You won't like the result.)
• 1/2 cup wheat germ or ground flax seed
• 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar (Or light.  The recipe isn't picky)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup extra ingredients (I usually use a cup of raisins and a cup of dried cranberries because we always have them in the house and there's no cutting involved)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (I've also used honey or molasses with equally good results)
• 3 Tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 Tb. water (If you want bigger granola clusters, increase the water and squeeze the cereal to form clumps before you put it in the oven.)
• Flavoring, if desired (Most times I add a shake of cinnamon, and sometimes ginger.  Citrus zest and/or an extract work well, too.)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Mix oats, wheat germ or flax seed, brown sugar, salt and extra ingredients (except dried fruit) in a bowl. Measure syrup, oil, water and any desired flavoring into a small saucepan and heat over low heat until it simmers.  (Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a 2-cup measuring cup and heat 60 to 90 seconds in the microwave.). Mix well, pour over oat mixture, and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Stir in dried fruit. Continue to bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let cool.