Granola

INGREDIENTS:

2 c rolled oats

1/2 c sunflower seeds

1/2 c pumpkin seeds

1/2 c flax seeds

1/2 c dried blueberries

1 t cinnamon

1/4 c sugar

1/2 t molasses

1 T honey

1/2 stick of butter (2 oz)

(zest of 1 orange optional)

Preheat oven to 300.

yield: 1 qt

This is just a base recipe. When making your own granola experiment with different flavors and textures. I love almonds, but my husband doesn't eat them so I leave them out when making my granola, but if you like nuts, throw them in the mix. If you like apricots, throw them in the mix. I also like zesting an orange into the mix before baking it, but unfortunately I didn't have any oranges at home today, so I decided to go without. Cooking isn't just about following a recipe, it's trying to figure out what flavors you like and how to incorporate them into your meals.

Measure out your molasses and honey, pour into the well. I like to put a drop of oil on my measuring spoons when measuring syrup-like liquids so nothing sticks to them.

Gather together all of you ingeredients.

In a microwave-safe bowl add your sugar and make a "well" with your spoon. Your going to add your molasses and honey to your sugar, and it's easier to incorporate if it's not sticking to the sides of your bowl.

Rub sugar mixture together with a spoon or your fingers and add butter. Throw in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can also melt butter on stove and pour over mixture.

Whisk together the mixture until it is smooth.

In a mixing bowl place all of your grains and seeds. I don't like to add the fruit at this point because if it cooks for too long it gets tough.

Slowly pour your butter/sugar mixture into the grains.

Mix together until grains and seeds are fully coated with syrup.

Evenly distribute the granola over a sheet pan with a silpat or parchment paper and place in oven for 20 minutes.

Once your granola is in the oven start chopping your dry fruit. For this recipe I added blueberries, which can be a bit sticky, I put just a little oil on the blade to prevent the berries from getting stuck together.

Mix blueberries into granola mixture and return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool completely before storing in an air-tight container.

Serve with yogurt for breakfast, or even on ice cream as a little treat. It's even great for hiking trips! Enjoy!