22861765_sNo other aroma compares with the rich cinnamon smell of freshly baked granola. It has taken me years to perfect this recipe, and believe me it is a good one. I have put it into cute homemade baggies and given it as gifts. I have thrown in chocolate and butterscotch chips and put it in ziplock bags for when we were on outreaches and I knew food would not be readily available. I have even sold it in designer bags when we needed to supplement our income.There are never left overs when I make this.

Not long ago, I was introduced at a Breakfast and one of the attendees said, “you are the one who makes that terrific granola? did you bring some?” I make huge batches of this and share half with friends, then freeze up the rest and pull it out as needed. It keeps for up to two months in the freezer. I love to eat this warm over a cup of peach flavored yogurt.

You can find this recipe as well as a wealth of others in my book on Amazon.  There are also a lot of missionary stories in that book.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:
12 cups rolled whole oats
3 cups sliced almonds
3 cups craisins (dried cranberries)
3 cups honey
1 1/2 cups oil
4 Tbs ground cinnamon or more…
aluminum foil
cooking spray
*as cranberries can be difficult to find or costly ~ sometimes I use
half and half raisins and craisins.

Method:

In a medium saucepan and stirring constantly, bring honey, oil and cinnamon to a gentle boil. Let boil one minute more. Set aside. Mix all dry ingredients in a very large mixing bowl.  Carefully drizzle half of hot honey mixture over oats and fruit and begin to mix well. Drizzle remaining mixture over oats and continue to mix until well covered with honey mixture.  Spray two large cookie sheets well with cooking spray.  Thinly spread granola mix onto cookie sheets, this recipes should cover 4 or 5 ~ 9×13 cookie sheets.  

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes ~ carefully turning over with a spatula so the all side of granola get browned. I usually turn it over twice. It burns easily so be careful! Also be careful to wipe any spills as it burns the oven quickly.  While it is cooking spread three or four sheets of foil (shiny side up) on a large table or counter (heat proof area) This is the key to great granola. When granola is almost golden, remove from oven and immediately turn out onto the foil. If you like super crunchy granola cover with more foil. I simply turn it on onto the foil and wait til it is cool. Then I put into a large container leaving the lid on but not completely sealed for a few hours.  

You can store it in the freezer for longer shelf life… but usually we eat it up pretty fast. Try adding your own favorite things such as sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, pure vanilla, dried mango, golden raisins, dried apples, whatever you think might tickle your tastebuds. I have done all these for a twist and they are all good, especially dried mango and coconut.

 

Stasia is mother to six beautiful children and wife to a dedicated, loving husband.
They have served as a family together on the mission field on four continents for nearly 29 years. 
Stasia’s passion is to share in true colors the grace of God in her life. 
You can read more about her and the ministry of the Women’s Bible Cafe here.
Meet Missionary Mom and Ministry Leader Stasia Nielsen
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