granola.

So the granola turned out just swell. Dru and I thought it was delicious. V didn't really partake...I can only imagine it's a texture thing because she likes everything in it otherwise. I bet in a few days she'll be downing it like the rest of us. :)

I haven't looked at many granola recipes. I think because what those I had checked out called for corn syrup and sugar by the cupfuls. I'm sure they taste wonderful but keeping it healthy was a priority for me. This recipe I found has a coconut oil and honey base, and lots of nuts and goodies that were attractive to me. I changed in enough from the original that I think I will type out my version here.

Combine in a large bowl:

4-5 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2-3/4 cup raw pecans, chopped
1/2-3/4 cup raw almonds, chopped
1/2-3/4 cup raw walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
3/4 cup ground flax seed
sea salt
4 T cinnamon

In a separate bowl whisk together:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
a splash of maple syrup (cause that makes everything happy)
1 T vanilla

Stir the oil mixture into the oat mixture. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees for about an hour, stirring every 20 minutes.

Once cool, stir in 1 cup raisins and 1/2 cup dried cranberries.

Enjoy!