I sent both of our college kids on their way this past month with a box of food. You know...in case the cafeteria doesn't feed them enough. Things like nutella, peanut butter, popcorn, dried fruit, granola bars...all kinds of things...and of course homemade granola! Bonnie, a friend of mine, gave me this recipe a while ago, and it's the only granola we've eaten ever since!
One of the kids asked for a refill this week, so this morning I threw a batch together. It's that easy.
A bunch of you on Facebook, asked for the recipe...so here it is!
HEALTHY GRANOLA
4 c. old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 c. raw nuts and/or seeds (I used sliced almonds)
1 t salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 c melted coconut oil (she has used olive oil and likes it, but I prefer the taste of coconut oil)
1/2 c maple syrup or honey (I use 1/4 c of each)
1 t vanilla extract
2/3 c dried fruit (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts/seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to combine. In another bowl, mix the melted oil, maple syrup/honey and vanilla together. Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread the granola evenly on the lined baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 21-23 minutes. (I set the timer for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through baking). If you prefer to have chunks of granola for snacking as opposed to a cereal, don't stir, but be careful to not let it get too dark. Allow the granola to cool completely, undisturbed before adding dried fruit. Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1-2 weeks, or in a sealed freezer container for up to 3 months.
Enjoy!
