Yummy Granola

I made a batch of granola today. I love the recipe in one of Kathleen Daeleman's books but decided to wing it and just go off on my own. Here is my step by step....

Put 4 cups oatmeal (not instant) in a large bowl.
Crush 1/2-1 cup nuts of your choice and add to oatmeal. (I used walnuts.)
Add slightly more than 1/4 cup each agave and honey. (You could easily just use one or the other.) add 1-2 tsp salt in with the honey before mixing with the oatmeal.
Add 1/3 cup unflavored oil* (I used canola.)

Mix above together. At that point I needed more liquid. I added about 1/4 cup water and a squirt more honey. The next time I make it I will measure differently/better and re-post but you don't want it dry or gummy when you put it in the oven. That said, one time I added (by mistake) double the liquid, and just cooked it longer. It was fine.

Andrew also said at that point wanted to taste a cinnamon stick I had bought last night and I said ..'Ah Ha! cinnamon!' so I added a sprinkle on top. I am also going to add vanilla next time. (As Emeril would say.."It ain't rocket science!)

Put in a thin layer on a large greased cookie sheet (or 2.) I used a large glass 9X13 pan.

Put in approximately a 200F oven and keep stirring every 20-30 minutes for about 90-120 minutes. Many recipes use a higher temperature but I like 200F because you don't have to 'babysit' it as much. You can do this in the dehydrator I am told but have not tried.

I have some pears and plums in the dehydrator and plan on adding those as well. Coconut is also a good addition to granola and can be added toward the end of the baking.

* note on the oil. The store bought brands have quite a bit of oil. The no fat brands have none. I like a bit of oil. I think it helps the oatmeal not to burn.