Energizing Granola

Everyone needs energy. This recipe is loaded with fiber and vitamins and is sweet and crunchy.  Kids love it, and so will you.  With its nutritious mix of dried fruits, nuts, seeds and oats, it might even help you keep up with your kids.  So instead of chips and cookies, keep a batch of this granola on hand.  It's ideal for lunch boxes, road trips and camp outs, too.

2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup unsalted sunflower kernels
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 Cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
2 Tablespoon ground flax seed
1/3 Cup water
2 Tablespoon honey
2 Tablespoon molasses
1 Tablespoon canola oil
3/4 Teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 Cup dried cranberries
1/3 Cup golden raisins
1/4 Cup dried banana chips

In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients.  In a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, molasses, and oil.  Heat for 3-4 minutes over medium heat until heated through. Remove  from heat; stir in the vanilla, salt and cinnamon.  Pour over oat mixture; stir to coat. 
Transfer to a cookie sheet pan coated with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring every 10 minutes.  Cool completely on a wire rack, stir in dried fruits.  Store in an air tight container.


Here are a few ways to sneak added nutrition into family meals:
Sprinkle nutrient rich wheat germ on cereal, yogurt and ice cream.  Also can add it to meat loaf and crunch casserole toppings.
For added fiber, sprinkle ground flax seed on salads, soups, and casseroles. Or add a tablespoon to your next smoothie and boost the fiber by 3 grams.