Vanilla-Honey Bunch Granola

I have to thank my best friend Erin for showing me this granola recipe.  I will never be going back to store bought cereal after making this.  It is so versatile and delicious ^_^ and super easy to make!

Vanilla-Honey Bunch Granola

4 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans....)
1/2 cup golden brown sugar, packed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter
3-4 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons sugar
5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Position rack to middle of oven and preheat to 325*.  Lightly spray 2-9x13 baking sheets with nonstick spray.  Mix first 5 ingredients in large bowl.  Combine butter, oil, honey and sugar in small saucepan; bring to simmer over medium heat.  Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.  Pour hot liquid over oat mixture; stir well until thoroughly mixed.  Spread granola on prepared baking sheets.

Bake until golden brown, stirring occasionaly.  After 8 minutes, rotate pans.  Keep an eye on the pans to make sure the granola doesn't burn.  If you like clumps, do not stir while baking.  Remove after a total of about 18-20 minutes.  Transfer sheet to rack; cool granola completely.  (Can be made two weeks ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.)

For cereal, I don't add anything else.  If I want it as a snack, I eat plain or throw in some raisins, coconut, chocolate, craisins .... whatever I have on hand.  I'm tellin' you, this is the best granola ever!

~ adapted from RecipeZaar recipe