Granola

My mom has made this ever since I can remember. It is so tasty, yet very healthy-- and much cheaper than store-bought cereals. This is also great as a topping on yogurt and ice cream, as well as using it for layering with fruit and yogurt for a parfait. There are so many ways to eat it.

Ingredients:

6 cups rolled oats
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup sliced almonds (or they can be coarsely chopped)
1/2 cup coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (may use more)
3/4 cup honey (may use 1 cup for a little more sweetness)
1/2 cup oil
1 1/2- 2 tsp vanilla (optional)
1-2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Heat oats and wheat germ on a pan at 350 degrees for 10 minutes- careful not to burn.

Combine honey and oil; set aside. Combine all the other ingredients and add oats and wheat germ.

Pour honey and oil mixture over everything and mix thoroughly. Spread evenly in pan/or cookie sheet, careful to keep it thicker around the edges so it does not burn. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool on a rack. (It is easier to remove later if you loosen it from pan right away when taking it out of the oven- can mound it up a little.)

Add and mix in raisins and/or dates or chopped apricots, if desired, after baking is complete, while it is still warm.

Store in a sealed container.