Stop. Take that prepackaged bag (or box) of granola that is most likely loaded with sugar and throw it away. Your waistline and taste buds will thank you. Granola is simple to make, no fancy kitchen tools required, just a large bowl and baking sheet. The greatest part is that it can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions. Gluten-free, vegan, chocoholic? No problem. Often times I’ll package my own granola in mason jars, label it accordingly and either present as a hostess gift, party favors, or include in a homemade gift basket. However, once you make this recipe, you may not want to give it away…

Enjoy this granola with milk, yogurt or simply by the handful.

This recipe can also be made gluten-free, just make sure the rolled oats are gluten-free certified.

Granola recipe adapted from The Kitchen Sink

Ingredients

4 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes (you can also use unsweetened)

3 tbsp flax seeds

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup chopped or slivered almonds (or 1/2 cup almonds and 1/2 cup pistachios)

3 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup canola oil

3 tbsp honey

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 cups of a mixture of dried cranberries, cherries and raisins.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.

In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients (except dried fruit). in a smaller bowl, mix together oil, honey, maple syrup, & vanilla. Pour wet ingredients over the dry and mix together well.

Evenly spread mixture onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, mixing every 10 minutes. (20 min. total for me & it was perfectly golden).

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Once the granola has cooled, mix in dried fruit.

Enjoy!

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