Healthy Granola

This recipe has been in the making for several months. I have tried a number of combinations and this works best. The sugar and fat have been reduced. I can only get two pans in my oven at a time so the cooking time reflects cooking two at a time.

• Ready In: 1 hr 50 mins
• Serves: 40
• Yields: 20 cups

Ingredients

• 10  cups old fashioned oats
• 1⁄2 cup wheat germ
• 1⁄2 cup  milled flax seed
• 1⁄2 lb unsweetened dried shredded coconut
• 1  cup sesame seeds
• 1 1⁄2 cups  slivered almonds
• 1 1⁄2 cups  chopped pecans
• 1  cup brown sugar substitute (regular brown sugar can be used)
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 3⁄4 cup canola oil
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄2 cup sorghum (molases can be used but the sorghum produces a lighter flavor)
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 1  tablespoon vanilla
• 2  cups  dried fruit (combination of raisins, blueberries, cranberries)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a large bowl combine oats, wheat germ, flax seed, coconut, sesame seeds and nuts, mixing well.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar substitute or brown sugar, water, oil, honey, sorghum, salt, cinnamon and vanilla.
4. Heat until thoroughly mixed; do not boil.
5. Pour the syrup over dry ingredients and stir until coated well.
6. Spread into five 13 x 9 inch jelly roll pans.
7. Bake 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. For a crunchier texture, bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
9. Cool mixture and add dried fruit.
10. Store in airtight container in a cool dry place.
11. Will keep up to 6 months; but it doens't make it that long in our house.