Basic Granola

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oatmeal ( I have used up to 3 c. depending on how much of the other stuff I had on hand)
  
• 1 cup almonds
  
• 1 cup shredded coconut, loosely packed
• 1/2 cup toasted wheat germ ( I have used a combo of oat bran and wheat bran, whatever you have on hand, it can also be left out)
  
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup honey ( I have adapted this to include any liquid such as molasses, OJ, agave anything you have on hand as long as you have about 2/3 c. liquid. I recommend a mixture)
  
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots (optional you can use any of your favorites!)
  
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Toss the oatmeal, almonds,coconut and wheat germ ( or whatever you are using) together on a sheet pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the wheat germ.

Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F.

Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the toasted oatmeal mixture. Add the dates, apricots, and cranberries and stir well.

Transfer mixture back onto the sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes stirring ever 5-10 minutes, until light golden brown. Allow to cool before serving. Serve at room temperature.