Granola

We are aiming to cut back on buying cereals around here.  There are many great organic selections out there, but groceries have gone up!  Also, it is nice knowing that I can make something just as good and yummy for the family at a better price.  Here is my version of granola... change it up with the nuts, seeds, dried fruit... etc.  Have fun with it:

6 cups rolled oats, divided
1/2 cup ground flax 
1/2  cup rice bran (Ener-g has a good brand)
1  cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sesame seeds 
1 cup chopped slivered almonds

1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds

1-2 tsps of cinnamon
1/2 cup safflower oil

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup brown rice syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the half of the oats into two 9 x 13 into baking dishes, and bake for 10 -12 minutes.  While the oats are toasting up, combine flax, rice bran, dried cranberries, seeds and almonds in a bowl.  In another bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients (wet).  Take the toasted oats and pour them into a large bowl.  Pour and stir the dry flax mixture into the oats until well combined.  Then slowly add in the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.

Take the mixture and spread and divide the of the mixture between the two baking dishes.  Bake for 10 minutes, stir and then bake for another 5 minutes or so.   Then allow the granola to cool in the baking dishes.  Store in an airtight container (I like to use my large mason jars).

I was inspired by The Kind Life recipe, “Mom’s Granola”.  There are a few things I changed: not using sugar granules, but adding brown rice syrup, rice bran, ground flax, dried cranberries… etc.  This is so yummy!  Enjoy!!!