Delicious, versatile, homemade Granola. Who knew it was this easy?! 

http://www.onedinneratatime.com

When I opened the fridge early this morning, I realized I didn’t have any eggs. No eggs! Children and a husband to feed! What will I do?  In a moment of despair, I almost reached for the usual ‘run out of the house, and eat in the car’ granola bar, banana and milk.

I had never thought of making granola myself before, the idea seemed scary. But today, well today I decided to try to make my own granola, and it was amazing! The beauty of it all, it was effortless, and the entire house smelled delicious just as the rest of the family was getting up.

Trust me you want to try this!

Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out for you.

Homemade Granola

Ingredients:

• 4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (you can also use quick oats)
•  1 cup walnuts and ½ cup pecans)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup melted coconut oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations:

• Add seeds instead of nuts or with nuts
• Use olive oil instead of coconut oil
• Use honey instead of maple syrup
• ⅔ cup dried fruit
•  ½ cup chocolate chips or coconut flakes

I did the basic recipe, I didn’t add any of the extras, keeping the sugar, and calories down. The coconut oil was, and maple syrup were really a fabulous combination. Don’t forget the salt, otherwise the flavors all blend into one.

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (Convection). In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts and/or seeds, salt and cinnamon.
2. Pour in the oil, maple syrup and/or honey and vanilla. Mix well, until every oat and nut is lightly coated. Pour the granola onto pan lined with parchment paper, and use spatula to spread it in an even layer. If you are trying to achieve granola clusters, make sure you keep the mixture close together. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes. The granola will further crisp up as it cools.
3. Let the granola cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
4. If you are adding dried fruits, chocolate chips of coconut shavings, it would be at the very end once it has cooled.

I read that the best way to store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for a maximum of 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Which is a great tip, but it also got me thinking about what the granola cluster in my pantry are made of! Needless to say, I am making my own from now on.

I served it with fat free vanilla greek yogurt, and a fruit salad, delicious!