Homemade Granola

Homemade granola can be a healthy alternative to sugary cereals.  It can also be easily adaptable to your specific taste or dietary needs (low sugar, more fiber).

Whole oats are full of fiber and contain vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium.  Whole oats are also high in protein.  Make sure you use whole, or stone ground oats.  No instant or quick cooking oats here.

Granola is easy to make.  Make sure you have all ingredients on hand before you start making your granola including a variety of nuts and dried fruit. 

Here are some of the ingredients I used for my latest batch of granola.

I always add nuts and sometimes seeds to my homemade granola for flavor, texture and a dose of extra protein. To keep the sugar content down use less sweetener if you add dried fruit.
To sweeten, I prefer maple syrup or honey and a pinch of brown sugar.

       Homemade Granola Recipe

In a large bowl mix together the following 10 ingredients:

• 6 cups raw, whole rolled oats
• ½ cup sliced raw almonds
• ¼ pecans
• 1/3 cup 100% maple syrup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp coconut oil
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large pinch kosher salt
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 cup raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, strawberries, your choice of dried fruit (stir in after granola is baked
•  Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally (do not over-bake or it will taste burnt).  Oatmeal should be lightly toasted.
• Stir in dried fruit (If adding coconut, sprinkle on top for the last 8 minutes of baking.

This will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in an airtight container.