Fun Recipe Friday: Homemade Granola

Okay, so it isn't too flashy with lots of bells and whistles, but I am telling you, this is the most delicious granola you will ever taste!  Nothing beats homemade, and granola is no different.  I never thought of it as something I would make until my sister was cooking up a batch recently.  It was so simple and alsp important, inexpensive!  Let's face it, granola is expensive and this simple recipe makes a big batch at a fraction of the cost.

Another perk is you control exactly what goes into it, so if you need to make adjustments, like gluten free oats or your preference for sweetener, you can and it still turns out perfect.

Here is what you'll need:

3-4 cups rolled oats (there are lots of options out there; I like spelt or gluten free oats)

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds OR sesame seeds

1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
1/2 cup almonds or pecans, slightly ground in a food processor

1/2 cup maple syrup 

1/2 cup coconut oil 
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

Optional: 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Toppings:  dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.), shredded coconut

Over medium low heat in a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin puree (if adding that).  Once melted, combine this mixture with the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and nuts in a large bowl and blend well.  Transfer to a flat cooking sheet (one that has sides).  Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes.  Turn oats and stir and then continue cooking for 15 minutes.  Do not overcook! Remove from oven and allow to cool completely (the granola will crisp up as it cools).  Toss in chocolate chips and store in airtight container.  When serving, add dried fruits and other toppings listed above as desired.

This also works great mixed in with homemade trail mix and on yogurt.  It's even great plain right in your hand!

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