Homemade Granola....

With the lack of sweets in my life at the current moment (only 11 days to go), I am reaching for things to hold over my taste buds until that glorious Easter morning. A couple of weeks ago, my roommate Andrea shared with me her recipe for granola. She is a true pro at making the energy snack and has so graciously shared it with me. 

The great thing about granola is that you can make it your own. You can add/substitute anything you like and it will still be heavenly. Last month when I drove the 10 hours back to Alabama, I made a huge bag and nibbled on it throughout the trip. It made for a great breakfast the next day when added to yogurt and fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas and grapes).

Give this recipe a try. It's simple and so much better (on your body and your wallet) than buying it at the grocery store. You'll know what you're putting in it and that makes all the delicious difference. 


Enjoy and happy trails!

Homemade Granola

2 cups oats (steel cut)
1/2 cup slivered almonds- or any nut you like (pecans, walnuts, peanuts, etc.)
1/3 cup flax seeds

1/4 cup wheat bran
1/2 cup honey (sugar free maple syrup works as well)
1/2 cup safflower or vegetable oil (I like to use safflower)
Big dash of cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Mix all the above and spread onto a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. 

When done and still hot, put into a bowl and add dried fruit. I love to use a container of dried mixed berries. It includes cherries, blueberries and cranberries. Add about 1 cup of dried fruit (give or take depending on your preference...I like a little more and to taste the sweetness in each bite).

***Cool tip I learned from Andrea: If you let it cool in a bowl, it will solidify and you can break it up into pieces. The chunks are always the best!