Date Nut Granola

This is the freshest, tastiest granola you can get. It will last for about a month if placed in a tightly sealed container.

Makes about 2 quarts.

Ingredients:

• 1 c pitted dates
• 4 c old fashioned oats
• 1 c raw wheat germ
• 1/2 c raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 c slivered almonds
• 1/2 c pecans
• 1/2 c cashews
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 c brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 c honey
• 1/2 c canola oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Using a kitchen shears, snip the dates into about 4-5 pieces each and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, cashews and salt.
2. In a small saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, honey, oil, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat, stir well, and pour over the dry ingredients. Thoroughly coat the granola with the syrup, stirring well.
3. Spread the mixture out evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake about 22 minutes, carefully turning over with a spatula halfway through.
4. Cool, then stir in the dates and cinnamon. Be sure to blend well. Store in a tightly sealed container for up to a month.