Crunchy Granola

Granola

10 cups rolled oats

1 cup wheat germ or flax seed

1/2 lbs coconut (optional)

3 cups chopped almonds

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup oil

1 cup honey

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 teaspoons cinnamon

3 teaspoons vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, wheat germ/flax seed, coconut, and almonds and mix well.

In a large saucepan, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon. Then heat together sugar, water, oil, honey, salt, cinnamon and vanilla until sugar is dissolved.  Do not boil!

Pour syrup mixture over dry ingredients and stir until well coated.  Grease or place parchment paper on 3 cookie sheets with sides, and spread mixture evenly between the 2.

Bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally. Cook 10-15 minutes longer for crunchier granola.  Once cooled, store in an air tight container.

YUM

{Have a nice bowl of granola with milk and fruit for breakfast or make a yummy parfait!  I also love having this on hand to snack on when I have the munchies as a healthier alternative.  It is also extremely filling which makes it extremely and deliciously satisfying!}