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Homemade granola tastes great any time of day, but in our family, it's a staple for fall breakfasts with nonfat plain yogurt and fresh fruit.
Granola is a nutritious way to start the day, thanks to its wholesome blend of heart-healthy oats and chopped nuts. But don't stop there. Offer it with a glass of milk for a satisfying after-school treat or use it as a tasty topping for a scoop of ice cream for dessert after dinner.
Granola is so easy to prepare you and your kids can make this recipe in less than an hour. While one child measures and stirs together the dry ingredients in a big bowl, another can measure, pour and stir the liquids in another. Combine all of the ingredients in the big bowl and voila! The just-sweet-enough mixture is ready for you to spread on a baking sheet and place in the oven.
Give it a try and see why the fresh taste of this homemade granola rivals any packaged mixture.
WORLD'S BEST GRANOLA
Makes 5 cups.
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg whites, slightly beaten
1/2 cup raisins
To prepare oven, baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
To make granola: In large mixing bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, almonds and pecans. In small bowl, stir together oil, vanilla and egg whites. Add to dry ingredients. Toss well.
To bake granola: Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Stir in raisins. Store in airtight container.
Variation: Substitute 1/4 cup pure maple syrup and 1/4 cup honey for brown sugar. Combine with liquid ingredients before tossing with dry ingredients.
Creative tip: Let kids draw a label to tape or glue to outside of plastic storage container or glass jar. It might say something like this: "The Johnsons' World's Best Granola."
