Homemade Granola

It makes me crazy to see how much granola costs in the store. And the healthier it is, the more expensive! It's such an easy thing to make and store. You can mix it into yogurt, eat it on its own with a healthy milk, or toss into your trailmix for snacks. Double or halve this recipe depending on your needs. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

6 cups rolled oats*

2 cups mixed nuts/seeds (walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, etc.) 1 cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut 1 tsp ground cinnamon Dash of salt 1/2 to 1 cup honey, or maple syrup (vegan) 1 cup raisins, or other chopped dried fruit

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Toast the oats in a wide pan, over a medium low heat. Stir occasionally until they change color and become fragrant (3-5 minutes) Add the nuts and seeds, stir for 2 minutes Add the coconut, stir for 2 minutes Add the cinnamon, salt, and sweetener, and stir. Transfer everything to a sheet or baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove, and stir in dried fruit. Cool on. rack, stirring occasionally.

Once the granola is cool, pour it into a sealed container and keep in the refrigerator. It lasts a long time, but you'll eat it way before it ever goes bad!

*You may have to work in batches on the stove, unless you have a large enough pan. .~adapted from How to Cook Everything, by Mark Bittman