Homemade Granola

A couple of weeks ago my husband bought a small container of granola bites. I was shocked at the price tag of $5.99 so I searched for an alternate way to get those tasty morsels. What I found were several recipes for homemade granola. After buying the ingredients, I finally got around to making it. Here is the recipe I used based on the one posted at kissmyspatula.

Ingredients

4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped pecans
3 tbsp flax seeds

2 tbsp wheat germ

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup clover honey
1/3 cup unsweetened apple juice

Method
1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Mix the wet in a separate bowl (I used a large glass measuring cup)
3. Stir the two together until the dry ingredients are coated.

4. Pour out onto a large sheet pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees, stirring occasionally with a spatula (every 5-10 minutes)

6. The granola is done when it is an even golden brown (~20 minutes), but your time my vary.

7. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the granola cool completely, stirring occasionally.

8. Store in an airtight container.

The granola had a yummy smell as it was baking. Other than taking some time for stirring, it was a easy process with tasty results.

Tree Protection

Lately, the local deer population has been snacking on our citrus trees more often than not. Since the trees are in the front yard and there isn't a fence, we decided to install protective rings around each tree. The 5 foot stakes are protruding 3-4 feet out of the ground and the wire ring is slipped over them. The rings have been on for about two weeks and already there is new growth. So far so good.