Happiness is…

Simple granola goodness.

This is the recipe to end all recipes.  I love this granola.  It has the perfect texture, crunch and sweetness. This is our favorite homestead granola recipe that I have used for years, that was lovingly passed to me from my childhood BFF, Star.

We met on the school bus the first day of kindergarten.  Always together growing up, we shared so much, and continue to share as many moments as we can even though miles and years separate.  In our hearts we are still soul sisters, and I cherish all the times we have been there for each other.  The wonderful thing about her friendship is that no matter how long it’s been since we have talked, or seen each other, it’s always like yesterday.  Star is a beautiful mama to 3 awesome little boys!  We never dreamed in all our walks, talks, and wildest childhood imaginings that we would each end up with a houseful of energetic boys!  Wow, how we have been blessed!

I share this recipe with you today hoping that when you create this granola, you feel the warmth and love of a forever friend each time you bake a new batch!

Simple Granola

Yields about 5 cups

Oven temp. 300 degrees

Oat Goodness

3 c.  rolled oats

1/3 c.  sunflower seeds

1/4 c.  sesame seeds

3/4 c.  chip coconut

3/4 c.  almonds (can be sliced, or roughly chopped)

• Spread on large baking sheet.
• Bake 6 min.
• Stir.
• Bake 6 min. more or till toasted.

Sauce

4 T.  butter

1/4 c.  brown sugar

1/4 c.  raw honey

1/4 t. Redmond real salt, or sea salt

• Mix all ingredients together in medium saucepan.
• Heat over medium heat, stirring, till butter is melted and sugar is dissolved and it combines into a caramel-like sauce.  Do not boil, or overheat. This only takes a few minutes.
• Pour warm sauce over toasted oat mixture on baking sheet.
• Stir well to combine.
• Return baking sheet full of goodness back to the oven.
• Bake for a total of 16 min. more.
• Stir every 4 min. to toast granola evenly.
• Remove from oven.
• Cool.  Stir occasionally while cooling to prevent the granola from sticking to baking sheet.

You can substitute any of the seeds and nuts in this recipe for a truly custom granola that your whole family will love.  As you may have noticed in the picture, I used pepitas (pumpkin seeds) instead of sunflower seeds, because as luck would have it, someone ate the last of the sunflower seeds the night before!  Simple granola truly is the ‘kitchen sink’ of  all granola recipes out there, go ahead, and throw it all in there….you’ll be glad you did!