Toasted Granola

This homemade granola is perfect mixed with yogurt, or topped with milk and eaten as cereal.

Prep: 20 minutes

Bake: 75 minutes

Yield: 21 servings

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup water
4 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups bran flakes
1 jar (12 ounces) toasted wheat germ
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

In a large saucepan, bring brown sugar and water to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the oats, bran flakes, wheat germ, flour and salt. Stir oil and vanilla into sugar mixture; pour over oat mixture and toss to coat.

Transfer to two 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 250° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until dry and lightly browned, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool completely on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.

Tips and Tricks

Granulated brown sugar works just as well as packed. Be sure to read the ingredient list on the bran flakes, some brands contain artificial sugars.

Make It Healthier

Omit the salt.

How Kids Can Help

Measure ingredients. Toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup equals 202 calories, 6 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 118 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein

Diabetic Exchanges

2 starch, 1 fat