Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why homemade granola is a fantastic choice for a healthy breakfast. Here are some compelling reasons: – Control Over Ingredients: When you make your own granola, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can choose high-quality oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners to suit your taste and dietary preferences. – Healthier Options: Store-bought granola often contains added sugars and preservatives. Homemade granola allows you to use healthier sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and skip the unnecessary additives. – Endless Variations: Homemade granola is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to include your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, creating a flavor combination that’s uniquely yours. – Cost-Effective: Making granola at home can save you money compared to purchasing expensive store-bought brands.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your homemade granola: – 3 cups of old-fashioned oats: These provide the base for your granola. – 1 cup of nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pecans work great. You can use one type or a combination. – 1/2 cup of seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flaxseeds add a delightful crunch. – 1/2 cup of dried fruits: Options include raisins, cranberries, apricots, or cherries. – 1/2 cup of sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar are excellent choices. – 1/4 cup of coconut oil: This provides healthy fats and helps bind the granola. – 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: For a touch of flavor. – 1/2 teaspoon of salt: To balance the sweetness. – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.