Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Non-Gross Granola

I'll start by saying that I don't really like granola. Actually, I hate granola bars. I think they're nasty. However, needing a different and healthy breakfast, I decided to make my own granola. I always like things better when I make it myself.

You'll need:
3 cups rolled oats (old-school)
*1/2 cup whole raw almonds
*1/2 cup walnuts
*1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup (or more... I use more) real maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
Raisins or something (highly optional. I never put in raisins because for some reason mine always explode in the oven.)

***Note about the nuts: they are expensive if you buy them in the packages you find in the grocery store. If you don't use them that often, either buy them like that and store in the freezer, or just buy what you need. I bought mine at the Sunflower Farmer's Market, and just scooped out a little portion and put it in my bag. It cost me less than $3 for all the nuts.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Chop the almonds, pecans, and walnuts and combine in a bowl with everything else. I like to add the maple syrup last. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and spread your granola out in an even layer. Bake for about 15 minutes, stirring once. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Serving suggestions: eat it with milk (like cereal), combine with yogurt, eat with fruit, or just put it in snack bags and munch on it.

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