Making Mama's Kitchen: Homemade Granola

Who knew granola was so simple to make and tasted sooo much better homemade?! I sure didn't, but tasting is believing my friends and as of today, Peanut and I are believers. I whipped up a batch before Annalyn woke up, so she got to try it fresh out of the oven. All day long she's been asking for more. I also love how versatile granola can be. Mix and match any kind of nuts, seeds, and fruit you like. Or experiment with different extracts and spices to change the overall flavor of the granola. Once made, sprinkle on yogurt, fresh fruit, baked apples, ice cream, or do like us and eat it with a spoon. Here's how Mama makes it:

Homemade Granola

Ingredients:

- 3 c. rolled oats (not quick-cooking)

- 1/2 c. chopped pecans (or nuts of your choice)

- 1/2 c. brown sugar

- 2 T. sesame seeds

- 2 T. flaxseeds

- 1/3 c. water

- 1/4 c. honey

- 3 T. molasses

- 2 T. oil

- 1 t. vanilla

- 1/2 t. salt

- 1 t. cinnamon

- 1/3 c. dried cranberries

- 1/3 c. dried cherries

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, combine water, honey, molasses, and oil. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until warmed. Remove from heat and add vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Pour over oat mixture and stir to combine.

3. Transfer to baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from oven, cool on pan, then stir in dried fruit. Store in airtight container in the fridge.