Daniel's Granola

Crunchy Granola

Adapted from Kathleen Daelemans, CLBB


2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup water
4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
8 cups rolled oats
2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, or slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.

Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Combine brown sugar and water in a 4-cup microwave proof glass measuring cup or bowl. Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from microwave, add vanilla extract and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, and brown sugar syrup mixture. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

Spread the granola onto cookie sheets and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and crunchy.

Add dried fruit, if desired.

When granola has cooled completely, store in an airtight container.


Variations:
1. Use 3 teasp vanilla and 1 teasp orange extract, with dried cranberries.
2. Add cinnamon, apple pie or pumpkin pie spice.
3. Do not STIR to enhance clumpiness.
4. Some people add honey, or egg white to enhance clumpiness.