Homemade Granola!

Hello, Monday, January 2! 
I couldn't think of a better way to start of 2012 with a healthy recipe and a staple in my household!
I love having granola in my yogurt with fresh berries in the morning for breakfast and my Sean caught onto my addiction. I know there are plenty of great granolas out there, believe me I know I have bought them a lot but my mom sent Sean some homemade granola for Christmas. 
He loved it so much, I want to continue making homemade granola. You get to control the amount of sugar, and you can put your absolute favorite nuts and dried fruits as well. My Sean's personal favorites are almonds, cashews, craisins, peaches with vanilla flavoring.

So pick your favorite items, leave out those your tastebuds just don't agree with and know this granola you are eating is a bit healthier than the store-brands :-)
 
First, gather together your ingredients. 5 cups old fashioned oats, 2 cups slivered oats (or 2 cups of whatever type of nuts you like, get them in pieces), 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup hot water, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoon almond extract (can be omitted), 1 1/4 cup dried blueberries (or cranberries or whatever type of fruit you like).



Preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and nuts. 


In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, oil, hot water, and extracts.



 Drizzle the wet ingredients over the oats and nuts. 


Toss to make sure the oats are equally coated by the wet mixture. Spread out the oats between the two baking sheets, in an even layer and pop in the oven for 20 minutes. 


Check on your granola, stir it around on the sheet and bake it for another 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Take out the granola from the oven, add the dried fruit and cool thoroughly. Put granola in an air-tight container and enjoy with yogurt, fruit or with milk!




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23 comments:

Michelle said...

Yum! I'll have to try this.

CALLIE said...

Yummy girl!! The fact that you Californians go to Bass Pro just makes my day ha :)

Meggan said...

I have always wanted to make granola! I definitely need to try this! Have fun with the dogs at Bass Pro!

Simply LKJ said...

Love granola, but haven't tried making it yet. This sounds super yummy and easy!

Krysta said...

I love homemade granola. This looks like a good one. You know I'll be trying it out! Happy New Year, Meg

Lindsay @ Delighted Momma said...

YUMMMM!!! Great recipe Meg!! I want to try this..I know my boys would love it

Elizabeth Ann @ Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box said...

Oh yum! I am obsessed with granola! happy New Year!

Alexa said...

Oh yum, looks healthy and delish! Have fun with the dogs today!

Val said...

I made granola on Sunday and I'm so addicted. I love your recipe!!! YUM

Jamie LaFuze said...

I love making granola! I made it last year as gifts for Christmas and since then I only make my own verses buying it, I'll have to try yours!

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

I have granola in my greek yogurt ever morning! Your recipe looks yummy! I should consider making my own instead of shelling out a life fortune for it at Whole Foods...LOL

Kira said...

Yum! I wish I wasn't so lazy in the kitchen.

REBrown said...

This looks delicious!

Unknown said...

yummy! That brings back childhood memories... my mom would make homemade granola all the time when we were growing up and the kitchen would always smell so homey!

Amanda said...

Yum! I love making homemade trail mix but haven't tried granola yet!

Katie said...

yogurt and granola is my favorite breakfast food! yum!

Stesha said...

Meg! 1. i am making this (or at least attempting too) and 2. I hope you had a wonderful New Years. Miss our chats!

xo
Classic & Bubbly

Whitney @ justacountry-girl said...

yum yum yum! thanks for sharing meg. i am dying to try.

Katie {katie lately} said...

yum! I love homemade granola, its the bomb! question though.. u said slivered oats but I am wondering if you meant slivered almonds?? Looks delish though!

Unknown said...

I love granola...esp with vanilla yogurt! I should try to make my own sometime.

marie said...

I love making granola. I am a huge fan of coconut so I always add in tons of that. I also have learned that brown rice syrup makes granola clumpy and crunchy which I love.

... said...

Yum! I want to come over for breakfast!!

BeckyJo606 said...

I love making my own granola! I use a recipe that Stephanie from The Rest is Still Unwritten gave me. I love to have granola with yogurt--it's my favorite breakfast! :)