Homemade Granola

I’ve been experimenting with making my own granola lately. This is my second recipe attempt and I am pretty happy with it. I think it is really all up to your choice of add-ins. It’s super easy to do, makes quite a bit, and is healthy.

8 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking oats)
around 3 cups of add-ins (use your imagination: chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, coconut, etc.) For this last batch I used 1 cup sliced almonds, 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup ground flax, 1/2 cup coconut.

In a large bowl, mix above ingredients. Then in a saucepan on the stove heat the following:

1 cup maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup canola oil
1 TB peanut butter or almond butter

After the mix is blended and simmering, add:

2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt

Pour the heated mixture over the oat mixture and stir until blended. Spray two shallow baking sheets with sides or use glass pans and cook in a 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Stir evenly throughout cooking. Oats should be slightly browned when finished cooking.

Add in 1 cup of raisins or dried cranberries, stir well. Store in an airtight container (or large ziploc bag).

If you try this recipe and come up with a good blend, let me know so I can give it a try, too!