Simple Goodness

Yesterday I bought fresh blueberries and strawberries at the farmers market. Today I was going to have granola with fresh berries for breakfast (oh yum), but when I opened the pantry... no granola.
This afternoon was promptly set aside for making more.

If you have never made granola before, you should! It is super easy, super delicious, and impossible to get (this good) at the grocery store.

Here is my favorite recipe:
1 1/4 c shaved, unsweetened coconut
3/4 c butter
1/2 c honey
1/4 c brown sugar
1 t salt
1 t vanilla
6 c oats
1 1/4 c nuts (sliced, chopped or whole)
1/4 c sesame seeds

~toast the coconut in a dry skillet until golden, set aside. (watch this closely 'cause it will go from toasted to burned very quickly!!)
~melt the butter in a sauce pan
~add the honey, sugar and vanilla and mix well
~add the oats, nuts and sesame seeds, mix well
~spread the mixture onto 3-4 cookie sheets
~pop into the oven at 250 for about 45" (or until golden) stir every 15"
~cool completely
~store in a big, beautiful glass jar
makes 9 cups

And my best tips:
Granola, although easy to make, must be watched closely. The last 15 minutes of baking time is critical because granola can go from toasted perfectly to burnt in a single minute.

Also, the stirring part is very important. The edges will brown faster than the middle, so it needs to be stirred often. I like to pull it all into a pile in the middle and then redistribute it (there's a buzz word you ya!).

If you are careful about those two tips, you will get the perfect granola every time.
ENJOY!