Homemade Granola

Paris Valentine's Note:

This is a combination of a favorite Martha Stewart Recipe and an old Minneapolis Star and Tribune recipe. It is easier to make than Martha's recipe, yet it still has the same enticing aromas and tastes.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 20

• 6 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup wheat germ
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1 cup almonds , chopped
• 1 cup pecans , chopped
• 1 cup sunflower seed
• 1 tablespoon sesame seed
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup honey
• 2 cups raisins or 2 cups currants or 2 cups dried cranberries or 2 cups carob chips

Directions:

1. Measure oats, wheat germ, coconut, nuts, seeds and spices into large mixing bowl; mix lightly (it likes to jump out of the bowl).
2. Melt butter in microwave and combine with honey.
3. Pour honey mixture over oat mixture; mix well.
4. Spread granola evenly over 3 jelly roll pans (large cookie sheets with 1 inch sides).
5. Bake at 300 degrees about 20 minutes, until golden brown, stirring after 10 minutes.
6. Cool about 10 minutes before removing from pans into a large bowl to complete cooling. (If you leave it in the pans to cool, it can clump and stick.) Mix in dried fruit. Store in airtight containers.