Homemade Granola

Last year we decided to we were going to work really hard to eliminate processed foods from our diets (mainly due to soy being in everything). This of course means no cereal for the kids. A good alternative for us has been homemade granola. Here is my simple recipe (nothing is exact in this recipe, you can eliminate or add as you see fit).

Homemade Granola

6 to 8 C oats

1/2 C wheat bran

1/2 C flax seed (doesn't have to be whole)

2-3 C chopped nuts (I used almonds, walnuts and pecans)

1/2-1 C sunflower seeds

1 C shredded unsweetened coconut flakes

1/3 C chia seeds

1 1/2 -2 1/2 raisins and/or dried cranberries (could use any dried fruit you like)

3/4 - 1 C honey (could also add maple syrup or a mixture of honey and maple syrup)

1/4 C coconut oil

1/2 C sugar (I used organic cane sugar, but you could also use brown sugar. Also you can change this amount or even eliminate the sugar.)

2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

Mix all of the dry ingredients together(do not include dried fruit) in a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan heat the wet ingredients and spices until they are just beginning to boil. Remove from heat and pour over dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour a layer of the mixture onto a parchment lined cookie pan and bake in the oven for 20 to 30 mins at 325*, until light golden brown. Let cool for 20 mins, return to mixing bowl and add dried fruit. The granola will begin to crisp up as it cools, then place in an air tight container or just put some in a bowl with yogurt, milk or ice cream. YUMMY!

(makes approx. 1 gallon)

This reminds me a lot of the cereal Great Grains which my dad LOVES...thinking I could tweek this recipe and make some great cereal for my dad...Father's Day Gift?

 

Posted with Blogsy