Sarah's Cinnamon Vanilla Granola

Here is a very yummy granola recipe that I came up with as I wasn't satisfied with any of the recipes I found.  There are also a few optional additions to make it as yummy or flavorful as you would like.  Serve it with milk, yogurt, ice cream or by itself as a crunchy snack. Or you could put it in a pretty jar and give it as a gift.  Yum!

Sarah's Cinnamon Vanilla Granola

4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1/8-1/4 cup flax seed (optional)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I have used coconut oil as well)
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup raisins (dark or golden or other dried fruit)
3/4 cup dried cranberries (dried blueberries or other dried fruit)
1/2 cup flaked coconut (optional)
1/4 cup raw wheat germ or whole wheat flour - clumps up granola (optional)
1 tsp finely ground coffee (optional)

1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Mix the oats, almonds, flax seed, wheat germ/flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.  Warm the oil and honey in a small saucepan.  Whisk in vanilla and if using, finely ground coffee.  Pour the liquids over the dry ingredients.  Stir with a wooden spoon, then finish mixing by hand.

2.  Spread granola on a large (12- by 17- inch) jelly-roll pan or 2 smaller ones.  Toast the granola 35 to 40 minutes, removing from the oven to stir every 10 minutes.  Transfer granola to a rack and cool completely.  Mix in raisins and dried fruit.  Add coconut if using.  Seal the granola in a coffee can or plastic bag.  Use a decorative jar and give as a gift.

Makes 8 to 10 servings