Creamy or Crunchy? Peanut Butter Granola

I have been finding a lot of inspiration lately over at Everybody Likes Sandwiches and this is just one more recipe that turned out great. Seems like granola has been popping up everywhere, especially since Molly at Orangette posted her recipe for chocolate granola, which is waiting patiently for me on my to-cook list. But this peanut butter granola called out to me with a stronger siren song. And I'm glad I listened. I thought this recipe was really good and Josh loved it. It's also incredibly easy, so if you can stand the heat get in that kitchen and get some in the oven.

Peanut Butter Granola
Recipe from Everybody Likes Sandwiches; Makes about 3 cups












2 1/2 c oats
1/2 c wheat germ
1 t vanilla extract
2 T canola oil
3 T natural peanut butter
2 T brown sugar
3 T chopped chocolate (optional)

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, mix oats and wheat germ together. Set aside. In a small saucepan, heat up oil, peanut butter, vanilla and brown sugar over medium high heat and let it all get melty together. Pour hot mixture over oats and stir well, so that everything is covered. You may have to use your hands if your peanut butter mixture is extra stiff. Add chocolate, if using, and mix well.
• Spread mixture on a baking sheet or large glass baking pan and toast in oven for 20-30 minutes, checking on it and stirring it occasionally until mixture is dry. When cool, store in a tightly lidded container.

My notes: I used toasted wheat germ, as that's what I had. I also used regular old jarred peanut butter. Natural peanut butter probably tastes a lot better, but that's what was in my cupboard - and waste not, want not. I omitted the chocolate, want to try Molly's recipe before I go there, but I did toss in a handful of sunflower seeds that I had in the cabinet. This would make a great trail mix. Add in some raisins, dried apple, or banana chips. Maybe some pretzel bites and M&M's. Yummy!