There are very few brands out there that make a clean, wholesome granola.  If you don’t want to spend the time reading label after label then why not make your own? (Although, you should check some of the labels out there for granola as you wouldn’t believe what kind of additives end up in there).  Granola is very simple and easy to make and can be done in roughly 30 minutes.  It’s nice to be able to make large batches so you don’t have to keep on making it even though I’m sure you will want to.

You can enjoy the granola as a snack or breakfast cereal.  It’s a great way to get in nuts and seeds that have many nutrients, protein, fiber and are a source of healthy fats.  You also get to control the type of sweetener and the amount that is used.  As well you get the benefits of one of my favourite oils-coconut oil which will be discussed in a future post.  Overall, granola (when made properly) is a wholesome cereal that is high in fiber, healthy fats and many vitamins and minerals.

Granola Recipe

·         6 cups rolled oats (Gluten free use Bob’s Red Mill Oats)

·         1 cup raw pumpkin seeds

·         1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

·         2 cups nuts chopped (or can use food processor to grind up) or can leave whole or buy pieces

                    -   raw almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans

·         Pinch of fine sea salt (about 1/8 tsp)

·         1 cup dried fruit

                    -   non-sulfured raisins, dates, gogi berries or combination

·         2 tsp cinnamon

·         ½ cup coconut oil melted

·         1/2 cup 100% pure maple syrup or honey or 1/4 cup 100% maple syrup or honey and 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

·         1 tsp pure vanilla extract or vanilla powder

Preheat oven 250 F.  Mix oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, nuts and salt together in a medium sized mixing bowl.  Measure dried fruit, but set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together coconut oil, syrup or honey (and applesauce if using), cinnamon and vanilla extract.  Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients stirring with a large wooden spoon.  Line 2 large baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper and transfer mixture in a layer (about ½ inch).  Ensure mixture is in a thick enough layer otherwise it may burn.  Bake 10-15 minutes until top is slightly browned.  Mix and stir around and bake 10-15 more minutes.  Mix and stir around again and bake for the last 5-10 more minutes until browned or until cooked to your liking.  Put back into large bowl and mix in dried fruit.  Cool and store in container.  Enjoy!