Foodie Friday #9: Homemade Granola

As we get closer and closer to the holidays, it's time to start saving up for "Santa". This means coming up with thrifty ways to save money on our weekly grocery bill. One way is to do away with our cereal purchase, and make some tasty homemade granola! This recipe is great with some plain or vanilla yoghurt, or even just milk, and is packed with protein to keep the whole family going in the colder months. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 cups rolled oats
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup flax seed meal (optional)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup canola oil
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

In a large bowl, mix oats, wheat germ, flax, brown sugar, seeds, nuts, cinnamon and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, honey, vanilla and water. Pour wet ingredient over dry mix and stir until well blended. Spread granola mix evenly over a 9x13" or 11x17" baking pan. Bake for 1-1.5 hours, stirring every 20 minutes, or until toasted. I like to bake a bit longer because my family likes crispy granola. Remove from oven and let cool. Place in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.