Seeds

I wanted to make Granola, but as I usually do with something new, I don't like to just get a recipe and try it out, I like to read a bunch of recipes to come to understand the basic essence of the thing I want to make. Then I make up my own recipe. I've been making granola bars for a couple of decades now, and truth be told I even tried my hand at granola in there once or twice during that time - but in the past I'd always just followed a recipe. In reading up on granola, it became clear that it is very similar to granola bars - go figure. Basically use a bit less moisture, a bit more grains, and bake longer at lower heat, without pressing the mixture into the pan. Instead, you distribute it loosely, and mix it about every half hour while baking.

Here is my first crack at it, which is still in the oven. Based on the taste test going into the oven as well as comments on the terrific smell from my wife and youngest son after it had been in the oven a while, I think this will prove to be a pretty good first kick at the can!

I've been making an awful lot of these lately, and have been refining the directions as I give the recipe to people. Just now I sent it to a buddy of mine who isn't much of a cook/baker - so below are probably the best directions yet.

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, blueberries, raisins, anything dried)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts & seeds (any combination - hazelnuts, walnuts,
  flax seed, sesame seed, sunflower seed, etc)
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter (or oil)
• 1 grated apple
• 1 crushed very ripe banana
• one beaten egg