I love the versatility and creative license when it comes to granola. I baked some a couple days ago and when a friend asked for the recipe, I decided to post it here so you could all benefit. This is a great recipe to get the kids involved with. Enjoy! And let me know your favorite variations in the comments below!
First, preheat your oven to 300 degrees and place the rack in the middle of the oven.
Combine the following four ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
3 cups rolled oats
3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon (I grind my own which I purchase here in a clean coffee grinder. Most of the cinnamon you find in the grocery store is not cinnamon at all... it is actually cassia. Not only does cassia have a slightly different flavor but it is lacking the health-enhancing effects of real cinnamon and may even be carcinogenic.)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
In a separate small bowl, combine:
1/3 cup maple syrup (you can also use honey)
1/4 melted coconut oil
1 tbsp real vanilla (avoid the cheap stuff... it's basically made from the leftovers when they process petroleum. Gross!)
Drizzle the liquid over the dry ingredients and stir until combined. (freshly-washed hands are also really fun to use if the kids are helping!)
Spread granola in a single layer on a baking sheet and crisp in the oven at 300 degrees, turning once. Depending on how crispy you like your granola, this can take 20-40 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. (getting a "suntan" is ok and how I prefer it)
Allow it to cool, then add nuts and dried fruit. I used chopped walnuts (about a cup) and about a half cup of this dried organic berry mix I found at Costco.
Store in an airtight container.
Serve with some fresh almond milk or on top of plain greek yogurt... or just eat it straight! And feel free to play... Optional additions are endless but some ideas are other nuts, seeds, coconut, freeze dried fruits, and other toasted grains.
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