Homestyle Granola

My family and I love granola! I've always been hesitant to make it from scratch, although I'm not sure why. It's very simple to make and this version has some healthy additions that make this granola a staple in our home. I've adapted this from Alicia Silverstone's recipe in The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet. I am a huge fan of this book and will refer to it often. It's not only a great resource of information for me, but she has some fabulous recipes.

Enjoy this granola with milk (or a nondairy milk), as a yummy snack for the kids or as a dessert topping.

Granola with strawberries and almond milk

homestyle granola recipe

ingredients:

6 cups quick-cooking oats

1/2 cup maple sugar (although this is more healthy, it's very expensive. Cane sugar is a good alternative)

3/4 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup chopped nuts or raisins

1/2 cup safflower oil

1/3 cup brown rice syrup or maple syrup (I prefer brown rice syrup - I love the clumps it makes and it tastes a little sweeter)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Seasonal fruit (optional)

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Spread the oats evenly on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes. Combine toasted oats and remaining dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well, then add the syrup, oil and vanilla extract. Mix until moistened...leave the clumps, in my opinion, the more the merrier - they're the best part.

3. Spread half the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Stir halfway through to brown evenly.

4. Let cool, then transfer to a bowl and stir until crumbly. Store in an airtight container for up to one month.

Makes 2 quarts.