Yes, We Are Those Granola Type-People

I regularly make granola. Nothing fancy, just an easy recipe I received in a recipe box as a wedding gift.  This one is a family favorite and one that I usually make to have on hand for snacks and to bring along on trips for breakfast.

It only requires 4 ingredients. You can add any number of other foods: raisins, nuts, etc.

Basic Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 5 cups of Oats. I use the Old Fashioned Oats.

Reminds me of Wilford Brimley who was a celebrity spokesperson in Quaker commercials.  And, here is a piece of trivia...I attended my Uncle Chuck's funeral on Friday and saw a poster board full of pictures of his life, one was a picture of him and Wilford Brimley.  The connection?  My Uncle bred and trained Border Collies for a living. He traveled the world to show his dogs and held dog trials on his farm for years. Mr. Brimely appeared as a character in the 1984 movie Country (starring Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard, former Stillwater residents).  Uncle Chuck's dog, Nell, also appeared in the movie, a small cameo appearance.  I guess Chuck and Wilford hit it off.  No pictures of Sam or Jessica though. Maybe they were too Hollywoodized for Chuck.

Anyway, back to the granola...

Measure and put the ingredients, minus the oats, into a microwave proof container. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds.  Stir mixture. Mixture should have a drippy and gooey consistency. I always test it by licking the spatula. Don't tell anyone.

Pour mixture over oats. Oats should be pre-measured in a 9x13 pan.  Stir mixture into oats.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes and stir. Bake about another 17-20 minutes depending on how chewy or crispy you like your ganola. We prefer it chewy.  It looks like this when I take it out of the oven.  I love all the brown in this picture!

I let it cool for several minutes, then transfer to a covered container.  My favorite way to eat it?  Topping Trader Joe's Plain Greek Style Yogurt and fresh blueberries. To die for. A wonderful breakfast or snack.