Sunflower Granola

In light of all the GMO press these days, not having time to read it all, and wanting to weed my kids of box cereal anyways because of the expense (We can eat an entire family sized box nicely at one breakfast.), I am trying out granola recipes for those days when they just do not want to eat a bowl of oatmeal.

Sunflower Granola is going to be our first trial. I'll update the post when the family gives their final verdict.

4 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
1 cup dried fruit of choice: blueberries, cherries, sliced apricots, etc.
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup chopped cashews
2/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sunflower oil (I used extra-virgin olive oil)

Preheat oven to 325F. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Stir and bake 10 more minutes. Stir again and bake 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Cool and store in an airtight container for up to a month.

Trail Mix

When you have seven children and some who have some food issues, you end up taking on the job of making lunches in order to ensure everyone is eating properly and healthy. School starts up in two weeks and that means I have the job of making lunches again. This snack is erring on the knowledge that we will continue to have no nut allergies of any kind in our school.

I bought several ingredients from Costco and our local bulk foods store and mixed together several batches in varying amounts.

Here's one variation so you get an idea of how simple this is:

2 cups organic cranberries
2 cups chocolate covered raisins
3 cups banana chips
3 cups pecans
2 cups walnuts

You can vary the fruits and nuts, add seeds or other yummies such as m&m's etc. I chose all larger ingredients to make it easier for my Littles to eat without making a mess. If there is a nut allergy, you could always switch it to mixed dried fruits. Just make sure they are from a nut free facility.

My batches made about one hundred and sixty bags -- give or take a few. It should last us a few weeks anyways. *sigh!*