To celebrate the first cool days of fall, bake up a batch of granola. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large microwaveable bowl, stir together 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup,) 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1-2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon real almond extract or baking emulsion, if desired. Microwave on high for one minute, stir, repeat, stirring every 30 seconds until mixture is mostly liquid and more or less smooth. Add to bowl 8 cups old fashioned oats, 2-3 cups of chopped nuts (any kind you like or a mixture,) 1 cup of sunflower seeds, and 1 cup shredded coconut. Toss gently to coat nuts and oats. Spread onto 1 or 2 large baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes then stir carefully. Keep baking, stirring every 5 minutes until oats are golden brown, usually a total baking time of 20-35 minutes depending on your oven. Let cool completely, stirring occasionally to break up clumps. Store in zip top bags or give as a wonderful gift in glass canning jars, tied with a pretty ribbon and labeled.
