Basic Granola

This is from a recipe I found online and adapted a little to be my own.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 4-5
• Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 4  cups rolled oats
• 1⁄4 cup hot water
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  cloves, crushed (optional) or 1  pinch ground cloves (optional)
• 1⁄2 tablespoon wheat germ (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup  nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.)
• 1⁄4 cup  dried fruit

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.
2. Dissolve the brown sugar and mix in the cloves, if used, into the hot water.
3. After the sugar is dissolved, mix in the vanilla, cinnamon and salt.
4. In a large bowl mix the oats and nuts (and optional wheat germ) with the previously mixed liquid.
5. Cover a roasting pan with wax paper to prevent it from sticking and spread the mix to form a thin layer.
6. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour.
7. If you desire dried fruit in your granola, add it after it is done baking.