The frugal breakfast solution: granola

we buy oats in 25 lb sacks

I make granola once a week. It's what we use for cold cereal.  The cost is about 45-50 cents a batch and makes about 5 cups, or about 8-10 servings. It takes me 5 minutes of hands-on time, and about 30 minutes of baking time (I just have to be around the house).

Granola is somewhat dense as a breakfast food, so we "cut it" with banana slices, apple chunks, or berries. Or, we pour applesauce or rhubarb sauce over it. And it makes a great base for homemade granola bars (recipe here).

Here's a not too sweet recipe:

1/4 cup butter, margarine or oil
1/4 cup brown sugar (or scant 1/4 cup white sugar and 1 Tablespoon molasses)
pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
4 heaping cups oats
(optional: 1 cup of raw sunflower seeds or raw, chopped nuts)
(optional: 1 cup chopped dried fruit or raisins)

In a large microwaveable bowl, put butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, cinnamon and water. Microwave on HI until the butter is completely melted. Stir all together. Add oats and combine well. (If adding nuts, stir in now).

store granola in an airtight container

Spread in a large, metal (not pyrex), buttered baking pan (something shallow with sides).


Bake at 325 degrees F, for 25-30 minutes total. After 20 minutes, remove from oven and stir, especially moving granola from the edges to the center.


When done, it should be golden.  (If adding dried fruit, mix in now). Stir again, and allow to cool in baking pan.