Ella loves granola!

Awhile back I found a master recipe for granola by Pam Anderson in USA Weekend. I don't particularly like store-bought granola but I absolutely love this recipe. You can find the master recipe at the USA Weekend website with different variations, but here is the combo that we really enjoy. Ella asks for granola for breakfast nearly every day. She just loves it. It is super-easy to make and we think it is worth the effort.

Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned oats (not quick oats)
1/2 cup wheat germ
2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup slivered almonds
1/3 cup sweetened flake coconut
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position, and heat oven to 275 degrees. Coat a 9-by-13-inch metal pan with cooking spray, then set aside.
2. Mix oats, wheat germ, brown sugar, salt, almonds and coconut in a bowl.
3. Bring syrup, oil, water and cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat. Drizzle over oat mixture, and stir to combine. Pour mixture onto prepared pan. Working a handful at a time, squeeze cereal to form small clumps.
4. Bake for 30 minutes. Stir in raisins. Continue to bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Let cool. You can store it in an air-tight container for up to 2 weeks.