Make Your Own: Granola

Everything in the grocery store is getting more and more expensive. Especially cereals; 4-5 bucks for a box?! No thank you! Granolas are even more expensive, so why not make your own? It's super easy, cost effective, and healthier for you with no added preservatives. Plus, you can customize it any way you want with your favorite dried fruits and nuts. Here's the basic recipe:

My Granola

Granola

• 1 1/2 C. rolled oats
• 1 C of chopped nuts 
• 1/2 C. shredded coconuts
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 T. vegetable oil
• 3 T. brown sugar
• 3 T. honey/maple syrup/agave syrup
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 C. dried fruits

Preheat oven to 250 F

In a bowl, mix together rolled oats, nuts, shredded coconuts, cinnamon, and salt.

In another bowl, mix together vegetable oil, brown sugar, syrup, and vanilla extract. Zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds to melt the brown sugar. 

Pour the sugar mixture over the rolled oats mixture and mix until well incorporated. Pour the granola onto a cookie sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let it cool

Once it's cooled, put it in a bowl and add the dried fruits and mix. Store in an air tight container.

I made mine with 1/2 C. of chopped almonds, 1/2 C. of chopped pecans, and dried cherries.