Easy Homemade Maple Almond Granola

Granola can be healthy, comforting, and a really yummy treat. It can also be high in sugar, contain less desirable fats and oils, and be packed full of fillers and unnecessary ingredients. Making your own at home is super easy, quick, and allows you to control the amount of sugar and quality of ingredients, while also mixing up and adding in the flavors that you love. It also makes your house smell amazing - like you've been slaving in the kitchen all day.

Oats are full of good-for-you fiber, are high in protein, and contain vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium. Oats on their own are also gluten-free, but most are usually stored in facilities that also store gluten-containing ingredients so read the package carefully. I buy my whole rolled oats in the bulk section at my local grocery store, but if your store doesn't have one you'll probably be able to find them in the baking aisle. Regardless, be sure you are buying 100% pure whole rolled oats, nothing instant or quick cooking. (Instant/quick cooking oats = highly processed/high glycemic/highly bad for you) :-)

The coconut oil, almonds, and sunflower seeds in this recipe are also full of good fats, proteins, and nutrients to keep you healthy and feeling your best.

This recipe below makes about three cups of granola - ½ cup is typically a serving. You can eat this homemade granola as cereal (I prefer it with unsweetened almond milk), put it in unsweetened Greek yogurt, or just eat it plain. Enjoy!

Easy Homemade Maple Almond Granola

Prep Time: 5 min

Total Time: 20 min

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups raw, whole rolled oats (aka old fashion oats)
• ½ cup sliced raw almonds
• ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (100% maple syrup, preferably grade b)
• 1 tbsp raw agave nectar (or raw honey)
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp coconut oil (aka coconut butter)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large pinch sea salt

Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 300º. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and use your clean hands to mix and toss to coat. The coconut oil might be liquid or solid depending on the temperature of the room you are in (it has a melting point of about 75ºF.) Your hands will warm it up and melt it into the mixture if it's solid. Spread the mixture in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until very lightly toasted. Cool before serving or storing.

Note of caution: It is very easy to over cook this granola. Don't let it get too toasted brown - it will taste like burnt popcorn. Take it out after 10-12 minutes, it will come together more as it cools.

This granola can be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. Even better, put it in an airtight mason jar with a fun card and ribbon and give it as a gift!