Sometimes, store-bought food can be very hit or miss. I find that with Granola, it either is good or terrible.
Fed up with the bland, dry store options, I set out on a quest to make granola for breakfast using all-natural ingredients that tasted good and would last for a long time.
After months of trying, I finally found the perfect recipe.
Coconut almond granola
3 cups oats (uncooked, Quaker brand works fine)
1/2 cup slivered raw almonds
1/4 chopped pecans (chopped to your liking)
5 tablespoons Brown Sugar
5 tablespoons raw honey (don't use agave)
6 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded coconut (or more depending on your taste)
*adjust honey and brown sugar amount based on how sweet you want the granola to taste
Instructions
1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2) Line a baking sheet with non-stick paper.
*even if you use a non-stick pan, use the paper.
3) Mix together oats, pecans, and almonds in a large bowl. Set aside.
4) Add brown sugar, honey, coconut oil and vanilla in a small microwave-safe bowl.
5) Microwave wet ingredients for 10-25 seconds, until it is bubbling.
6) Stir wet ingredients until well blended.
7) Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients. Mix using a plastic spoon until it becomes too sticky. Use clean hands afterwards.
8) Pour coconut into the bowl. Mix well using your hands.
9) Pour mixture onto baking sheet and spread out until all corners are covered.
10) Bake for 25-30 minutes, making sure to turn the baking sheet halfway through to ensure evenly cooked granola.
11) Let the granola cool for an hour on a baking rack. Once cool, peel off of non-stick paper and break into small pieces. For traditional granola, break into large chunks and put them into plastic bags. Use your fist and break the granola into small pieces. For large chunks (like granola bars) simply break into large pieces.
How to enjoy it
The beauty of this granola is its versatility. It is flavorful enough to be enjoyed plain. It is a filling and delicious snack enjoyed on its own.
It is also delicious with almond milk. My personal favorite is eating it with vanilla flavored almond milk to bring out the vanilla extract flavor from the granola.
It is also delicious with yogurt. Plain, vanilla, and strawberry are my favorite combinations. I personally love it with Light and Fit vanilla greek yogurt.
Finally, it is delicious on top of vanilla ice cream. It adds a great crunch and offsets some of the sweetness.
