Breakfast Feature: Homemade Granola

Breakfast is hard for me.

I don't want to eat simple, so then I end up not having enough time to make my fancy eats.

Work beckons, a puppy whines to play, my hair needs a good washing...

All of which adds up (or maybe I mean subtracts) making me short on time.

Cereal has never been my thing. 

Too sugary sweet makes me want to brush my teeth.

Waffles and pancakes... Mmm, Mmm, good.

But requiring a little bit more time than I have.

Eggs, so good.

But I like them fancy.

So, I default to granola. 

(The big, sophisticated sister of cereal)

I saw the homemade trend floating around blogs.

So I decided to take a stab at it!

And, boy, was I glad I did.

(As was Mr. T, as was my dad!)

The cinnamon and pumpkin spice on this make it irresistible.

And a little bit of dried fruit adds some tangy tartness.

Craisen Granola

I adapted this from here!

Ingredients

4 cups rolled oats

1 cup unsweetened coconut

(I get it in the organic section)

1/2 cup flax seed

(I like it whole, but meal will do)

1/4 cup wheat germ

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup dried cranberries 

(or raisins)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice

(or substitute 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg if you choose)

1/2 cup melted coconut oil 

(or butter or canola oil)

3/4 cup honey/agave/maple syrup

(again, your choice!) 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.

2. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.

3. Melt butter or coconut oil and stir together with honey and spices.

4. Pour oil mixture over dry ingredients.

(Be sure to stir until oats and things are coated by the oil and spices)

3. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and spread oats over in a single layer.

(I end up using 2-3 sheets)

4. Bake until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).

Be careful! They go from good to burnt in a flash!

Top with fresh berries, milk of any sort, and

ENJOY!