Easy, Healthy Granola

 

Making your own granola is easy, and it costs a lot less than buying granola at the store. You can add any dried fruit that you like for the best tasting granola. This is perfect to take on the go, or just to snack on when you are feeling hungry and wanting something to tide you over until meal time.

Ingredients

4 c. old-fashioned oatmeal (you can use quick oats)
1 1/2 c. nuts or seeds or a mixture of both
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. melted coconut oil or olive oil (is best)
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 c. raisins or other dried fruit, chopped if they are large pieces
1/2 c. coconut (optional)
1/2 c. mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine oatmeal, nuts or seeds, salt and cinnamon. Mix to combine.

Pour in the honey, oil and vanilla. Mix well. You want to ensure that everything is lightly coated.

Turn the contents out into the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out as evenly as you can.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally during baking time. Bake until the granola is a light golden brown.  The granola will still be soft at this point, but it will crisp up more as it cools. 

Set the baking sheet in a cool place to cool completely for about 45 minutes. 

Top with the dried fruit, coconut and chocolate chips if desired.

Break the granola into pieces if you want it in big chunks. Or stir it around with a spoon for smaller pieces.

Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature.