Maria's Granola

Maria's Granola

Granola has become a staple in my house.  It is such an easy go-to snack or addition to breakfast.  I prefer to make mine homemade because when I have looked at the ingredients of store-bought granola there is a laundry list of things I really don't want to be eating including a large amount of unnecessary sugars.

   In this recipe the spices create a layer of warmth which is what I think makes granola so comforting.  I found that I like using coconut oil instead of butter (even though butter does taste great too) because it is a milder taste that allows the spices and honey to shine.  This recipe is so great because it can be adjusted anyway you like it.  Feel free to add anything you like... raisins, walnuts, flax seeds, etc.  It can also be made extra crunchy if you bake it a little bit longer.  I make this recipe nut-free, but you can substitute almonds or any other nuts in place of the pepita seeds.

Maria's Homemade Granola

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 unsweetened shredded coconut (if you can't find unsweetened you can use sweetened)

1/4 cup wheat germ

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup pepita seeds (aka shelled pumpkin seeds)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1/2 teaspoon salt (I like using kosher)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1/2 cup honey (preferably raw if you can find it)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

8 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil (you can use butter instead if you like)

Maria's Granola

*Preheat oven to 325 degrees

*Combine the honey and coconut oil in a pan over medium heat; allowing the coconut oil to melt together with the honey

*Combine all of the other ingredients in a large bowl and toss together

*When the oil has melted add in the vanilla

*Pour the mixture over the ingredients and stir together using a rubber spatula

*Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the coconut oil/honey mixture

*Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and evenly spread the oat mixture between the two

*Press together with the spatula so that the oats stick together; this creates the large "chunks" when you break it apart after baking

*Bake for 12-14 minutes; until the ends start to brown slightly

*If you would like it to be extra crunchy you can let it bake for about 3-5 minutes longer; making sure it doesn't brown too much

*Remove from oven and allow to cool completely

*Once cooled use your hands to break up the large piece and serve

*Store in an airtight container

Maria's Granola

Maria's Granola

Maria's Granola

Maria's Granola