Home Made Granola

what I did this morning

I am not a breakfast person.......and according to the experts that's a bad thing.  Breakfast being the most important meal of the day and all :)  

So....being that it's the New Year and I'm "trying" to start out doing good stuff, I am going to eat my breakfast like a good girl.  I ran across the original recipe of this granola at My Five Men, Betsy's blog .  Thank you Betsy. (have you seen her photos?...amazing!) 

Betsy's Recipe:

4 cups oats

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup puffed rice cereal

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 t salt

Mix all the above in a very large bowl

1/2 cup honey

4 T vegetable oil

1 T vanilla

1 cup apple juice concentrate

Stir together and pour over cereal and mix thoroughly

Spread onto large greased pan

Bake 60 minutes at 300, stirring every 15 minutes

Cool completely, then add other ingredients such as cranberries, dried pineapple, coconut, cut up dates or/and apricots.   Betsy suggested and me too, that you don't stir too hard, leaving some of the crunchy wonderful clumps.

 I used Silver Palate oats, extra bold and nutty and thick.  100% oats, no added ingredients, just plain goodness and nutritious.  I find them at Big Lots for a great price.  One box is almost 4 cups.

 Don't you love my vintage pan?

 I remember Grandma having one very similar to this.  Mine is huge...almost 15" across...perfect for stirring things like granola concoctions, huge salads for a crowd, or if you dare....fruitcakes.  I got it at a farm auction last summer.  I have even used it for a small beverage container.

The recipe called for pecans (from my Mom's tree)  but  I also added sliced almonds, a little powerhouse and one of the most nutritious of all nuts. (not counting me:)  And cinnamon!  Have you read all the health benefits of cinnamon lately.....not to mention the flavor is divine.

Have you ever tried to hold a big pan while pouring the heavenly contents onto the baking sheet while taking a picture with the camera in your other hand????? :)  

Ta dahhhh....my breakfast this morning.  I had it over non-fat Greek peach yogurt.  But more than likely, most mornings, I would just grab a handful of it and let that natural goodness  be it.  I hope you'll try making your own granola.  It's less expensive than what you buy in the store and better and absolute sheer breakfast pleasure and anytime snacking good. 

What I changed in this recipe:  Not being a fan of apple juice and having no concentrate, I used orange juice concentrate instead.  Gave the granola a hint of orange, which I liked a lot.  I also used pure clover honey, made and harvested on a farm right up the street.  That made me feel extra special healthy like.  :) I added coconut to the mixture before baking because I like toasted coconut.  I left out the puffed rice but added extra wheat germ.  I also used Splenda brown sugar instead of regular brown sugar. 

***  Don't forget to sign up for my Valentine sweet give-away here.....you still have time.  Coming soon to The Vintage Nest blog:  How I painted a rug on my deck; heart rocks; a new fresh take on vintage and our sweet little bird and baby .  Until next time......xoxoxo

~ Add Something Special To Your Home ~ your place for affordable vintage flair     Delighted to be joining these blog parties this week    Etsy Cottage Style;  Jennifer Rizzo's Creative Friday,  Monday at Clever Chicks, Shabbylicious Friday @ SAB,  Metamorphosis Monday & Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch,  Blissful White Wednesday at Time Washed, Home Sweet Home Friday @ the Charm of Home,  Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm,   A Favorite Thing Saturday @ Mockingbird Hill Cottage, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage; Open House Thursday @ No Minimalist Here ; Vintage Style @ Tuesday's Knick of Time,  Cozy Little House "tweak party" Tuesday, Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound, Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground,  Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style  

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