Start off the day with a little Honey Vanilla Granola

Here is my yummy Granola-- I like it as cereal, and I also use it as a base for Granola Bars.  The ingredients listed are all optional-- add or subtract what you will-- make it your own.  I have made this several times now, each batch has been just a bit different, but all has been yummy.  You can use raw nuts and seeds, roasted, but I would limit the salted to just one kind if possible.  If you have it on hand you can use a vanilla pod- slice it down the center and scrap out the seeds-- add it to the butter and honey.

Honey Vanilla Granola -- makes around 3 lbs.

4 cups rolled oats-- NOT quick cooking oats
3/4 cup almonds- sliced or chopped
3/4 cup cashew pieces
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened is healthier)
1/2 to 3/4 cup walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger or grated fresh ginger
6 TBSP unsalted butter
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp vanilla extract (not imitation)
1/2 tsp salt
Parchment paper or reynolds wrap

1.  Pre-heat the oven to 250 degrees.  Cover a large rectangular baking sheet with desired covering-- I prefer parchment paper.
2.  Mix the dry oats, nuts, seeds, and spices together.  A large mixing bowl works best.
3.  Heat the butter and honey together over low heat in a small saucepan.  After the butter has melted stir in the vanilla (liquid or scraped pod beans) and salt.  Keep stirring and cook for just a few minutes longer to get the flavors melted together.
4.  Pour half of the hot liqids over the dry ingredients and stir together with a rubber spatula.  Add the rest of the hot ingredients and continue to stir until evenly coated. 
5.  In the prepared pan spread the oat mixture in one even layer.  Bake for 60 -75 minutes.
6.  As the granola cools it will start to become crisp.  Let cool for minimum of 30 minutes.  Once cooled the cooked oat mixture can be broken into chunks.  Store in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

*** I usually will add golden raisens, dried fruit or fresh like bananas, strawberries or blueberries when eating as cereal.