Crunchy Granola

This recipe is great for making granola as a snack, to mix with yogurt, or as a breakfast cereal all by itself.

• 2 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 6 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 8 cups rolled oats
• 2 cup chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.

Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and reserve.

Combine brown sugar and water in a microwave safe bowl. Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from microwave, add vanilla extract and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, and brown sugar syrup mixture. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Spread the granola onto cookie sheets and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and crunchy.

When the mixture comes out of the oven, it is still very pliable. You may choose to add in dried fruit as a finishing touch at this time. When granola has cooled completely, store in an airtight container.