It doesn't take very long...

before the need arises for another batch of homemade granola.


I thought I would share with you my version of granola...one that has become
a staple in our house over the last few years.

The urge to bake and make homemade granola would come and go over the years when the kids were little, but as we all aged (ahem) both the desire and the time to do it merged together.
And so, Annie's Granola was born.
Annie's Maple Granola to be exact.

Over the years it has started off as Cinnamon Granola, then tweaked to be honey flavored, applesauce flavored, and finally,
Maple Flavored.
This is the one recipe we have stuck with for some time...because everyone in the family loves it.

I notice not a slight amount of panic as the granola jars become emptier and emptier.
We eat granola for breakfast with milk, for lunch with yogurt, and out of the hand for a snack.

And you definitely feel healthier with every bite.

Annie's Maple Granola
(this recipe makes a LOT!)

Mix together in a very large bowl with deep sides or large stockpot and then set aside:

-8-10 cups of rolled (old-fashioned) oats
-1 cup wheat germ
1 cup coconut (preferably unsweetened, low fat)
1 cup Bob's Red Mill ground flaxseed
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 cup whole almonds, raw
1 cup chopped walnuts
-2 heaping TBLS cinnamon
-1/2-1 tsp sea salt

Mix together in a microwave safe 4 cup glass measure and heat until bubbly:
-2/3 cup canola oil
-2/3 cup applesauce (organic preferred)
-1 cup maple syrup (or may substitute half with honey)
-1 TBLS vanilla extract
-1 tsp pure maple extract (optional)

Pour maple/oil mixture over dry ingredients and mix and mix and mix until very well blended.
Hand bowl and spoon to husband and have him mix too.

Pour mixture onto cookie sheets (tip:use parchment paper to prevent sticking) and bake at 300-325 degrees for about 20-30 min. Check frequently for browning.

If you bake two cookies sheets at the same time, switch positions in the oven halfway through.
(You will probably need to stir it a bit and fold the edges into the middle to prevent excess browning about half way through)

Remove when toasted/golden brown and place on wire rack to cool.
Immediately pour dried fruit (we like dried cherries, cranberries, blueberries)
on top of the hot granola. Cool to room temperature.

IMPORTANT: Cool completely before placing in airtight container, and/or freeze for long term storage.