Tips for Cutting Costs at Breakfast

Granola Cereal Recipe

I love feeding my kids nutritious food and saving money so when I found this recipe I was ready to give it a try. Cereal is an expensive prepackaged item, so if you make this in bulk, you get better food for less money. Plus, if you have your child help you put it together, cooking and learning go hand in hand.

The total cost of this recipe depends on which and how many extra ingredients you add. I usually buy sliced or slivered almonds, walnuts and pecans inexpensively at a country store and keep them in the freezer. I’ll alternate between adding almonds and sunflower nuts, though sometimes I add none or both. You can add raisins and/or other dried fruit or none at all. Adding some wheat germ (raw or toasted) will increase the nutritional value without affecting the taste. (Store wheat germ in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh.)

If you choose not to add all the extra ingredients, you will need to add extra oats. The granola mixture should be moist before putting in the oven, but you don’t want extra syrup. (I nearly always add either extra oats or oat bran.)½ cup canola oil 1/3 cup honey 1/4 t. salt 3/4 t. cinnamon 1/3 cup skim milk 3/4 cup brown sugar 5 cups whole oats ½ cup each of any of the following: sliced almonds, chopped walnuts, pecans, sunflower nuts, raisins, craisins, dates, dried fruit (Mix and match whatever you like.) Wheat germ, flaxseed (optional, but a great nutritional boost)

Mix first 6 ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar melts and everything is blended. Remove from heat. Add oats and mix well. Spread over 2 cookie sheets sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. (Use sheets with sides.) Bake in a 375 oven until brown (about 10-15 minutes). Watch carefully and stir a few times for even browning and to prevent burning. Let cool on sheets. When cool, add other ingredients (nuts, dried fruit, etc.). Store in a covered container.