If your kids (or you!) love cereal, why not try making your own granola? Simple to make and delicious, making granola from scratch lets you be in charge of the ingredients.
Granola is perfect with almond milk or grass-fed cow’s milk for breakfast, layered with yogurt for a parfait, or made chunky to enjoy as an after-school snack or a fun addition to school lunches.
Here is a recipe for homemade granola to start you off. From here, you can modify the recipe by adding your favorite dried fruits, nuts, and even seeds like pumpkin or flax seeds, for an extra boost of nutrients.
3 cups whole grain oats, like Bob's Red Mill brand - also available gluten-free
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup of honey
3 tablespoons creamy or crunchy almond butter
1/2 cup dried currants or cranberries - or both
1/2 cups nuts like walnuts, shaved almonds, or cashews
Combine the ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix well. Using a large serving fork works well to blend the sticky ingredients like peanut butter and honey, ensuring they’re evenly incorporated.
Prepare the baking sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the granola later.
Spread and bake: Spread the granola on the cookie sheet in a thin layer. Bake at 250° F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Stir while baking: Stir the granola once or twice during baking to ensure even cooking and consistent blending. Use the same fork you used for mixing to push everything around.
Cool and store: Once baked, let the granola cool completely. Store it in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag. For long-term storage, make a double batch and freeze some for next month.
Serving ideas: Serve your homemade granola with almond milk, grass-fed milk, or plain yogurt, or use it to make a delicious fruit parfait.
If possible, use local handmade products - maple syrup, raw honey, and nut butter. These are usually available at farmer's markets, and they last for several months.
