4cupsrolled oats(look for steel cut for gluten-free option)
1cupsliced almondsor pecans
½cupflaked unsweetened coconut
¼teaspoonsalt
1teaspooncinnamon
⅓cupalmond oil
⅓cuphoney
⅓cupbrown sugaror palm sugar which will be a little less sweet
4teaspoonsvanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray 2 large cookie sheets with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almonds, coconut, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, mix together oil, honey and brown sugar and cook over medium heat while whisking continuously until it begins to simmer. Cook 30 seconds then remove from heat. You can also opt to heat in microwave until boiling but you need to watch it carefully as it can easily bubble up and overflow.
Add vanilla extract.
Pour the oil-honey mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well with a spoon. When a little of the het has dissipated, use your hands to crunch the ingredients.
Pour the granola onto the prepared cookie sheets, dividing evenly between the two, and making sure it is mostly on one layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through the baking process. Hint: It is easier to take the cookie sheets out of the oven to stir the ingredients then return to oven to continue baking.
Remove from oven and place cookie sheets on wire racks to cool completely. Stir to break up any large pieces then store in large airtight container. Mine keeps for at least two weeks and may keep longer but it never lasts that long.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About Granola
Is granola healthy?
This homemade granola is much healthier than most store bought brands. The oats are high in fiber and iron while the nuts contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats. I substitute almond oil for vegetable oil which is full of Vitamin E and omega 3's, as well as magnesium, phosphorous and copper. I also sub honey for some of the sugar which has linked benefits to heart healthy and blood oxidation.
How long will this vanilla granola last?
If kept in an airtight container, this will keep at room temperature for up to 6 months.
What can I add to make this homemade granola my own?
Any kind of nuts can be substituted for the almonds. Try pecans or walnuts for a change of pace.
Love chocolate? Add dark chocolate chips to the mix and keep the healthy going.
Add more nutrition by adding chia seeds to the mix.
Dried fruit is always delicious and adds more sweetness to the mix.
Substitute some of the honey with maple syrup for a more fallish flavor.