Homemade Granola

(Shared recipe submitted by the Rio Caliente Spa.)

The contributor writes: "Hi, these are from Rio Caliente Hot Springs Eco cook book 'The Whole Enchilada'. For a sample spa menu, visit Rio Caliente."

Ingredients

• 2 pounds rolled oats (not the quick-cooking or instant variety)
• 3/4 cup pecans, chopped or broken
• 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds, whole
• 3/4 cup hulled sesame seeds, toasted or raw
• 1/2 cup powdered low fat milk
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup honey

Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Add the powdered milk and mix again. Then add the oil and honey and mix thoroughly, using your hands to turn the mixture over and over. Place into baking pans and bake in a slow (250° F) oven for 45 minutes to an hour until it is golden brown. Stir every 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely before storing in an air-tight container.

Additional optional ingredients: Powdered soy milk or flakes, peanuts, wheat germ, bran, oat, rye, wheat or soy flakes, soy nuts, raisins, currants or other dried fruits, almonds or other nuts.

Notes: If you add wheat germ, the granola must be refrigerated. If you add soy flakes, be sure to include them at the very end of baking as they tend to burn.

About the Rio Caliente Spa: The Rio Caliente Spa is located in Primavera, Mexico. The e-mail address is riocal@aol.com.

Additional recipes submitted by the Rio Caliente Spa:

• Apricot, Date, Apple & Celery Salad