Homemade Granola

10-13 cups rolled oats (.75)
1 cup wheat germ (optional - I also cracked wheat) (.50)
1/2 lb. shredded coconut (.50)
Up to 3 cups seeds (sunflower, sesame, chopped nuts) (.50-3.00)
1 1/2 cups brown sugar (or sugar and some molasses) (.25)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup honey (optional) (.50)
1/2 cup molasses (.25)
1 1/2 tsp salt (.01)
2 tsp cinnamon (.02)
3 tsp vanilla (.05)
Raisins or other dried fruit (.50)

Combine oats, coconut, nuts, seeds. Mix well. In saucepan, add remaining dry ingredients. Heat until sugar is dissolved, but do not boil. Pour over dry ingredients. Stir until well coated. Bake at 300 degrees F for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally

*Can also add applesauce in place of honey for an apple cinnamon taste or just dried apples, we also like craisins, raisins or without dried fruit. I am fairly liberal with following this recipe and have tried several variations as you can see from the "up to 3 cups" or 10-13 cups oats - that's a large difference, but I've tried it all because I have about 4 different recipes I've tried and they all work out about the same.

*Storage: 2 large gallon size bags. Yummy for breakfasts or for snacks.

Total Cost: $3.10 - $6.10.
Makes 1 1/2 - 2 gallon bags. Lasts 2-3 months in our house.