A Series of Granola Recommendations

Making granola is surprisingly easy and satisfies the inner control freak in all of us because we get to use exactly the ingredients we want, to the exclusion of all others. An approximated "recipe" follows (more like a collection of suggested steps intended as a starting point for experimentation).

Orange-Sunflower-Flaxseed Granola

1. In a large saucepan, mix 2/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup canola oil, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp orange extract (optional) and heat on low until the mixture is thin but not yet boiling.

2. Turn off the heat and stir in 1/4 c orange juice, 3/4 c sunflower seeds, 1/4 c flax seeds, and about 5 cups of rolled oats. Stir the mixture well so that all the dry ingredients are coated. If it looks too soggy (beyond moist), add more dry ingredients. You do not want to start with a soggy mixture because it will take forever to bake off the moisture.

3. Spread the mixture onto a baking dish so that it is no thicker than one inch. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, stir, then continue to bake and stir thoroughly every 8-10 minutes or so until dry. This may take more than 45 minutes, depending on your oven.

4. Allow to cool before storing. It may clump a little bit but you can break it up.

Optional ingredients include other nuts (chopped into medium-sized pieces) and dried fruits like cranberries and raisins. Your finished product will be excellent for breakfast, or, if you're just home from work and really tired, dinner.