Homemade granola

Jess requested this recipe. I made it yesterday for the first time and it's amazing. Ryan had run out of cereal so I decided to try this. I used all walnuts at Ryan's request and didn't add any dried fruit. It would be good with yogurt or even by itself. We took half a bowl of corn flakes and then added some granola to it. It was a great cereal! The recipe is from Recipezaar.com (my new favorite recipe site!).

Crunchy Granola

1 1/2	cups brown sugar
1/2	cup water
4	teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1	teaspoon salt
8	cups rolled oats
1	cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1	cup almonds, coarsely chopped
	dried fruits, if desired (I usually add cherry flavored cranberries and dates)

Heat oven to 275 degrees F.

1. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine brown sugar and water in a 4 cup microwave proof cup.
3. Microwave on high 5 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Remove from microwave and stir in vanilla and salt.
5. In large mixing bowl, mix oats, nuts, and brown sugar mixture.
6. Mix thoroughly.
7. Spread onto cookie sheets and bake 45 minutes-1 hour until golden brown.
8. When granola has cooled completely, add fruits if you wish and store in airtight container.