I have a large family and so I am always trying to make snacks that are not full of processed sugar and preservatives. This sweet and crunchy honey granola is a kid favorite and it makes a huge batch to enjoy.

Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients

Honey Granola

8 cups Old Fashioned Oats

1 cup wheat germ

½ cup ground flax seed

2 cups sunflower seeds

2 cups whole raw almonds

2 cups chopped pecans

1 ½ teaspoons salt

½ cup dark brown sugar

¼ cup maple syrup

1 cup pure local honey

1 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups raisins

1 cup dried cranberries or blueberries

(optional: 2 cups M&M’s for your sweet tooth)

Step 2: Preparation

As with all recipes, you will want to assemble your ingredients and your tools first. Then Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Prepare two large rectangular cookie pans with parchment paper (this will prevent sticking to the pans).

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients in a Large Bowl.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, wheat germ, sunflower
seeds, almonds, and pecans. Set aside.

Step 4: Wet Ingredients Next.

In a medium saucepan, heat salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon and vanilla and bring to a boil for about a minute. Hint: Use a measuring cup for the oil first, and then use the same measuring cup for the honey. The honey will slide out of the measuring cup easier. Stir to prevent the mixture from boiling over.

Step 5: Add Boiling Mixture to the Oatmeal Mixture

Pour the boiling mixture into the oatmeal mixture and stir well.

Divide the mixture evenly onto the two cookie pans. (Don't forget the parchment paper!)

Step 6: Baking the Granola

Bake one pan at a time, at first for about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the granola carefully. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the granola is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow granola to cool in the pan. Repeat the process for the second pan of granola.

Step 7: Add Your Goodies and Enjoy!

Transfer the granola to a clean large bowl and add the dried fruits and/or chocolate candies.

Store in an airtight container or large ziploc bags. I recommend splitting the batch at the very end. Before adding the sweets, split out a good portion to enjoy with yogurt or as a breakfast cereal. Add in the fruits and chocolate for a snacking batch.