April 23, 2011

Homemade Granola

I love the crunchiness and munchiness of granola.


Considered a "healthy" food, granola is usually very high in calories, while sugar (or some form of sugar) is often times listed as one of the top three ingredients on granola nutrition labels.

I was in the mood to experiment with my own version of granola.

On my "want" list: low sugar content, nutritious, filling, crunchy and flavorful.

Mission accomplished. 

Not too sweet, not too sticky. Just right.





Homemade Granola 
4 c. rolled oats 
1 c. chopped walnuts 
1 c. chopped almonds (I used sliced) 
1/2 c. sunflower seeds 
1/2 c. ground flax 
1/2 c. shredded unsweetened coconut 
1 tbs cinnamon 

1/2 c. honey 
1/4 c. applesauce 
1 tsp vanilla

Add oats, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, ground flax, coconut and cinnamon in a large bowl.


Mix together.


Combine honey, applesauce and vanilla in a saucepan on medium heat, bring to a boil and simmer for about a minute. Remove from burner.


Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well. The mixture will still look dry. If you want the granola to be sweeter and crunchier, double the wet ingredient mixture and add to dry ingredients.


Spread the mixture in a single layer on a lightly sprayed baking sheet (parchment paper can also be used) and place in a 350 degree preheated oven.

(You may need two baking sheets)


Bake granola for about 15 - 20 minutes, stirring the mixture every 3-5 minutes to prevent from burning.


Let granola cool and pour into sealed container.

My breakfast the next morning = granola, walnuts, coconut almond nut butter, 1/2 banana, coconut and almond milk.


DELICIOUS!