Homemade granola recipe.

I have been making my own granola for the past year or so. Of course, I love making as much stuff at home instead of buying it from the grocery store. I like to know the whole ingredients in my food, the freshness of it, the amount of sugar and fat in the items, and that it was made in a clean environment free of pest and chemical residues. In my kitchen I only use plant based soaps that are biodegradable and phosphate free, and I use vinegar for sanitizing. Thats it. Nothing harmful to anyone except dirt and germs.

This granola recipe was introduced to me by my wonderful girlfriend. It is from Hollyhock on Cortes Island. Hollyhock is a adult learning center retreat that uses delicious, whole, organic ingredients in their kitchen. I have heard many great things about this place, but I have never visited. One day I would like to go there for a writing workshop.

6 cups of oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup honey

Pre-heat oven to 250F. Put honey and oil in a pot and slowly warm on medium heat. Add the honey to the oil in a measuring cup to keep the honey from sticking to the vessel. Mix all dry ingredients in  a large mixing bowl. Once the honey and oil start to bubble add it to the dry mix and stir well until all the mix is moist. Place on cookie sheets(I use 2) and place in oven. Bake for about an hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until it is golden brown. Don't forget because it can get "well done" really quickly.

This granola is full of protein and is low in sugar. It isn't very sweet and is great as cereal, mixed in yogurt or apple sauce. The yield is quite big too, and it lasts a long time. Enjoy.