Homemade Granola

Breakfast

By Dixya

…this weekend was a little different. Different in the sense that there were many activities planned after a really long time. A visit from my brother, a much needed trip to the library, and Mermaids of Alcatraz Tour (Train, Gavin DeGraw & The Spirit concert) are some of the highlights.

In case you are wondering I am half way through the book Sisters of the Sari, a really interesting read about a Canadian women’s journey to make a difference in India. The Glass Castle is next on my reading list.

..the weekend was also different because I hardly stepped into the kitchen except for reheating a pizza and to make this granola. Granola was made to partly redeem the weekend eats and also because it has been on my to-do list along with a million other things for such a long time. Knowing it was super easy and pretty flexible to make, I don’t know why it took me forever…and to think of all the fortune that I spent on store-bought ones – never ever again!!

Granola is a great friend for your yogurt, a mid-day snack or just to start the week right..It’s loaded with fiber and cholesterol lowering oats, nuts and seeds gives omega-3s while coconut flakes adds sweetness and crunch.

Grab your favorite nuts, seeds, and oats (use GF oats if you want GF version). Almonds, pumpkin seeds, flax, walnuts are some other options. I chose coconut oil and 100% pure maple syrup as my liquid ingredient but feel free to use canola oil & honey if you like.

Homemade Granola (Vegan)

makes about 4.5 cups

Ingredients (roughly)

3 cups old-fashion oats
1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup chopped pistachios, salted (add a pinch of salt if using unsalted pistachios)
1/4 cup raw, unsalted pepitas

1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup

1/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
1/4 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

-Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
-Heat a small sauce pan over low heat and pour maple syrup & oil together for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
– On a baking sheet, spread all the remaining ingredients.
-Pour the liquid over the mixture and toss to coat.
-Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, until lightly and evenly browned and starting to dry out, 30-35 minutes.
-Let it cool completely in the pan before serving or storing in a airtight container.

Tell me about your weekend.

Do you make granola at home?