Cinnamon-Nut Granola

My old roommate used to make granola.  It seemed to take an entire afternoon and left me with the impression that making granola is an ordeal.  However, I have since discovered that granola is VERY easy.  It takes about 10 minutes to assemble the ingredients and then another 30-40 minutes to bake.  Frankly, my homemade granola is far better than anything you can buy.  This recipe is quite variable.  Any type of favorite nut or dry fruit will do.  The original recipe called for 1/2 cup honey, but that didn't seem sweet enough.  I've also used maple syrup instead of honey.

Yield: 7 cups

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1-2 cups coarsely chopped nuts (pecans, whole almonds, dry-roasted peanuts, etc. or a combination)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt (unless using salted peanuts)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins OR 1 cup of dried fruits

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Line a large baking sheet with high sides with parchment paper, or lightly grease.  Alternatively, use a teflon baking pan and do not grease or line.

In a large bowl, mix oats, nuts, salt and cinnamon.

Melt butter in a small sauce pot.  Once melted add honey and vanilla and stir to mix.

Add liquid mixture to oat mixture; stir with a large spoon or by hand to combine.

Spread evenly over baking sheet.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes (or until browned and crunchy), stirring every 15 minutes.
Cool on wire rack; add raisins (dried fruit) and stir to combine.

Store in a large airtight container with one vanilla bean (optional).