Granola

I love granola with plain yogurt and fresh berries, for breakfast but I don't like how much added sugars are in most store bought brands. This recipe is so simple with no excess sugar. You can customize this granola by adding in raisins, dried berries or chocolate chips based on your family's preferences. If little hands don't devour it all immediately, you can save it up for up to a month in an air tight container. Added bonus you can easily make it gluten free by using gluten free oats.

Ingredients:

4 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup slivered almonds (or hazelnuts)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup melted coconut oil

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup raisins, chopped dried fruit, or semisweet chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together oats, almonds, cinnamon and sea salt until evenly combined.

In a separate mixing cup, stir together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined. Pour the coconut oil mixture into the oats mixture, and stir until evenly combined.

Spread the granola out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Then remove from the oven, add the coconut, and give the mixture a good stir. Bake for 5 more minutes, until the granola is lightly toasted and golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool until the granola reaches room temperature. Then stir in the dried fruit, chocolate chips or any other optional add-ins you might prefer.