Granola Cereal

I am trying to bulk up our breakfast repertoire. We have been a big cold cereal family. And while that is quick and convenient, I'm realizing it's not headed into the direction of a better family diet. We need some more substance to our breakfasts and less processed GMO's, and less artificial colors or flavors (even Cinnamon Life has artificial colors! Woe is me!). And it turns out organic cereals are pretty expensive. So, while we are not flat out quitting regular cold cereal at this time, I'd like to phase in some more hearty whole foods. Improvement, although slow, is still improvement.

Once the following recipe is made, though, it is as easy as pouring a box of cereal because it is a type of cereal and lasts for several mornings.

Granola Cereal  --recipe from my mother in law

14 C old fashioned oats (basically just the whole 42oz. drum)

2 C wheat germ (we have used milled flax seed in place of this and it's great)

2-3 C shredded coconut (we prefer 3 C)

1 1/4 C brown sugar 

2 tsp salt

Mix all the dry ingredients in a big bowl, and in a small bowl mix the following moist ingredients:

1/2 C honey

1 C oil  (Coconut oil is fantastic in this.)

1 C water

3 tsp vanilla

Mix all together with hands. 

Optional: nuts, raisins, dried fruit, etc. (our favorite is craisins and pecans)

Spread in 2 9x13 pans. Bake 225 degrees for 2 hours. Stir evenly every 30 minutes.