Cristina's Granola

3 cups Old-Fashioned rolled oats (not quick-cooking)
3 tablespoons wheat germ or wheat bran
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup honey
1-2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup sunflower seed
2 tablespoons sesame seed
1/2 tablespoon anise seed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup water
Dried Fruit
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
1/4 cup dried pineapple (optional)
 The rind of 1 orange cut into strips.

Combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients in different bowls. Then, combine them together stirring well.

Bake in an oiled sheet pan at 325 F for about 12-15 minutes stirring often to prevent over browning.

Remove from the oven and add the dried fruit and orange peel strips; mix well.

When granola has cooled down, store it in a container with a lid. Two days after preparing the granola, remove the orange strips.