Yummy Snack Mix/Granola/Granola Bars

So the kids LOVE granola, so we have been making it fairly often.  We make granola for breakfast, granola bars for dessert, snack mix for snack.  The basic recipe stays the same, we change up the add ins and flavorings, add more syrup or honey to make the bars.  Here I will give you the simplest version, which is easily adaptable to your favorite flavors.  You can add flaked coconut, use coconut oil and flavoring, use your favorite seeds, nuts and fruits.  I will warn you this makes a ton, so feel free to cut it in half, but it also lasts a good long time when stored airtight, and we have never had any go stale.  It is also great for a party.

Snack Mix

Preheat oven to 275. 

3 cups old fashioned oats, can use some barley or wheat flakes as well
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup flax seeds, or flaxmeal
1/4 cup wheat germ or oat flour
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Mix all together in large bowl.  In a separate bowl mix together

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup, or a mixture of the two
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Stir both mixtures together gently.  Pour onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake till golden and crunchy stirring every 10 minutes.  Pour into a bowl to cool.  When completely cool gently mix in

1 cup chocolate covered sunflower seeds
2 cups pretzels
2 cups dried fruit, we like raisins, craisins, dried berries
1 cup of your favorite cereal, we use cheerios or puffed brown rice cereal

To make this into granola bars skip the pretzels and cereal.  Mix everything together, and double the liquids.  Press into a 13x9 pan that has been greased.  Bake at 325 for 25 to 30 minutes till golden.  Cool for 10 minutes, remove from pan and cut into squares or bars, or cut while in the pan.  Don't separate till completely cool.