A Gallon of Granola

 

8 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups coarsely chopped nuts (cashews, pecans, or almonds)

2 cups raw (untoasted) sunflower seeds

1 cup sesame seeds

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (available in health food stores)

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup maple syrup

3/4 cup light-tasting vegetable oil, such as sunflower oil

2 cups chopped dried fruit (raisins, currants, and dates are good)

 

Preheat oven to 35O°F. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, coconut, and salt. Warm the maple syrup and oil in a saucepan. Pour over the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon, then roll up your sleeves and work the mixture with your hands until everything is damp. Spread on baking sheets—no more than about V2 inch thick—and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. When the granola has cooled, stir in the dried fruit. Store in jars or plastic bags.  Yield: 1 gallon  VARIATION: Instead of all oats, use other grain flakes: bran or untoasted wheat germ can replace some of the seeds.