Homemade Granola

Homemade granola is SO GOOD and it is SO GOOD for you. A few years ago, in a quest to revamp our breakfasts and get rid of cold cereal, I started making granola. I have 2 kids that don't enjoy dried fruit and one child that doesn't like nuts in the granola. So, I made a very basic recipe and then we have "add ins" (fruit/nuts) for those who would like to add to their granola.

Instead of "Where's Waldo" let's play "Where's Marisa"

Can you see me in this picture? 

I start with a big bowl, because it is a big recipe! 

Homemade Granola Recipe

10 cups rolled oats (old fashioned NOT quick oats)

1 cup wheat germ

1 cup ground flax

1 cup olive oil or coconut oil

1 cup honey

1 cup peanut butter (the all natural kind)

2 cups coconut

8 ounces nuts (optional, we add nuts later)

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Combine the oil, honey, and peanut butter and slowly heat until it is liquified. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix well. There will be some clumping, but try and get rid of the big clumps. 

Spread the uncooked granola out on two cookie sheets lined with parchment.

Parchment works better, but I have also used tin foil,  make sure you spray it first with cooking spray.

Heat oven to 300 degrees.

Place both trays in the oven at the same time, bake for 15 mins. 

Take them out and stir the granola, put the tray that was on the top rack on the bottom rack and vice verse and bake an additional 15 mins. Total baking time = 30 mins.

Let it cool, then store in an airtight container.

BUT WAIT....

You aren't done yet!

 

Set up a cute little scene and take a picture of it.

Then you can "pin it", "facebook it", or "instagram it" 

(This step is optional)

 

 

I make two batches in the same day so that I can store some in the pantry.....

 and place two bags of granola in the freezer for later. 

ENJOY!

~marisa