Do It Yourself Granola

Granola is one of the simplest things to make. It requires only a handful of ingredients. Best of all, most of the ingredients can be swapped out for something else. Don’t have walnuts. No problem! Use almonds or cashews. Short on honey, try maple syrup or brown sugar. I do suggest rolled oats over quick oats. Quick oats have been partially cooked and therefore lack the chewy texture that makes rolled oats ideal for granola. Other than that, you can swap out any of the ingredients in this recipe. So, have fun and get creative. It’s breakfast time!

Granola

Makes about 6 cups

3 cups rolled oats

2 tablespoons chia seeds

3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

2/3 cup walnuts (or any other nut), roughly chopped

1/3 cup applesauce

¼ cup algae or coconut oil

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 300F. Place a silicone baking mat or a large piece of non-greased parchment paper on one large sheet pan, or use two smaller sheet pans. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the applesauce (alternatively you can use bananas or pumpkin puree). Add the oil, melted honey, and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Add in the cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine. Add in the oats, chia seeds, walnuts, and sesame seeds. Stir until thoroughly coated.

Spread the granola onto the baking pan. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until granola is a dark golden brown; stir every 10 minutes during baking for even color.

Allow to cool. Once cool you can add dried fruit, such as raisins, if you’d like. Store the granola in a Tupperware container for up to a month.