When I walk down the cereal aisle or take a stroll through the bulk food bins, I am continually amazed by the number of granola options.  While I understand the appeal of quick & easy…there truthfully is nothing that compares with the taste (and smell) of homemade granola!  Big thanks to my friend, Patty, for sharing her recipe with me.  For years I have enjoyed making her basic recipe as well as creating endless yummy variations!

Ingredients

• 3 c rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 c nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• 1 c unsweetened coconut
• 1 T cinnamon (can also add in ginger, cardamon, allspice, cloves for flavor variations)
• 1/4 c coconut oil (can also use canola or any other kind of oil)
• 1/4 c honey or maple syrup
• Additions:  flax seed, sunflower seeds, oat bran, pumpkin seeds (all optional…amounts to your taste)
• Fruit Additions:  raisins, craisins, dried apricots (or any dried fruit you like)

Preheat oven to 325 deg. 

Combine everything except the dried fruit.  Spread onto a baking sheet & bake for 10 min.  Stir & bake another 10 min or until browned to your satisfaction.

After it’s done, add in dried fruit.  Enjoy with milk, yogurt…or just by itself!