I wasn't a huge granola fan until we started making our own. It is great by itself or sprinkled on yogurt. I made a half-batch today and have been munching on it this evening. Here's how to make it:

Full Batch Vanilla Almond Granola

1 & 1/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tsp. salt

4 tsp. pure vanilla extract

8 cups of old fashioned oats (not the quick kind)

2 cups sliced almonds

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.

Spray 2 cookie sheets with Pam and set aside.
Combine brown sugar and water in a 4-cup microwave proof glass measuring cup or bowl. Place in microwave on high for 5 minutes and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from microwave, add vanilla extract and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, and brown sugar syrup mixture. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Spread the granola onto cookie sheets and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and crunchy.
When the mixture comes out of the oven, it is still very pliable. You may choose to add in 1 cup of dried fruit as a finishing touch at this time. When granola has cooled completely, store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!