Homemade Granola

Granola has always been one of my favorite breakfast items and I always try to keep this granola on hand.  This is actually my Aunt Kayla's recipe and I absolutely love it.  What I really love about this recipe is it is healthy.  A lot of times we think granola is healthy when it isn't.  Many granola's are high in fat and use a lot of oil and sugar.  You will definitely see a difference with this one, it has just enough sweetness and is packed good nutrients.  Try it, I think you will love it as much as I do!

With that said, feel free to change the recipe as you like to add more or less of an ingredient.  I wait to add the fruit right before I eat it (dried cranberries, cherries or blueberries), but you can eat it plain too... which I do most of the time.

Granola

1 large container Old Fashioned Oats
1 1/2 cups coconut
1/4 cup ground flax seed
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup stone ground oats
2-3 cups nuts roughly chopped (almonds, pecans, walnuts... you can choose!)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canola oil
2-3 Tablespoons vanilla
2 cups cold water

 Some of these ingredients can be a little expensive when they all add up, but they last a long time and you can use them again when you want to continue making the granola :) The recipe makes a large amount, a full gallon ziploc bag.  Also, homemade granola is cheaper and healthier than buying it at the store.

Step 1: Combine the first 6 ingredients into a large bowl

Step 2: Mix together water, oil, sugar, and vanilla until it is well combined.

Step 3: Pour the mixture slowly over the granola, stirring as you go. Make sure it is evenly coated!

Step 4: Transfer the granola onto baking sheets, cake pans, casserole dishes or whatever it will fit in, you will at least need 2 large baking sheets.

 

Step 5: Bake at  250 degrees for 80 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes.  Watch at the end to make sure it doesn't burn.

 Step 6: Remove from oven and cool completely. 

 Then enjoy with milk, dried fruit, or yogurt!

Health Notes:

• Flax seed may fight heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer as well as lower cholesterol!
• Wheat germ is a good source of essential nutrients and vitamins.
• Oats are a good source of fiber and promote cardiovascular health... enough said, go make some granola :)