Granola

There are a few things I really hate buying and want to make myself.  On that list of things to learn how to make and to make them on a regular basis:

1.  Bread

2. Laundry Soap

3. Granola

4. Bars of Soap

5. Money, kidding- just seeing if you are paying attention =)

So I started off my grand list by tackling the easiest one- granola!

It was so easy to make, really quick and delicious too.

Here is the recipe I started with and have since changed a few things to make peanut butter, chocolate and even one with a bunch of dried fruit.

2 cups old-fashioned oats

3/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut

1/2 cup chopped almonds

1/3 cup pepitas

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon coconut extract

1.Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

2.  In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, almonds, pepitas, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut extract.  Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients and stir until well-coated.

3.  Pour the granola mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread granola into an even layer. Bake for 30 minutes or until granola is golden brown, stirring every ten minutes. Let granola cool completely.  Store in an air-tight container for up to 1 month. (I promise you, it won’t last that long)

Enjoy!

Tags: granola, handmade, maple syrup, pecans, yummy