We love granola, or “crunchies” as our kids call them, in this house. Most commonly it’s a topping, over yogurt or toast and peanut butter. But store-bought granola is loaded with sugar and unnecessary ingredients. Even the cleaner options like Bare Naked use industrial oils and are expensive. By making it yourself, you control the cost and ingredients.
Yes, granola has lots of honey and some added sugar, but hello, it’s a treat! But if I can make it more nutrient-dense and taste better, why not? I used old fashioned oats which aren’t quite as processed as rolled oats (aka more nutrient dense) and load my recipe up with healthy nuts for added protein and nutrients.
INGREDIENTS
5 c old-fashioned oats
5 c mixed nuts of your choice (I prefer almond slivers, and walnut and pecan pieces)
1 cup Avacado oil*
1 cup honey (local is best)
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 c brown sugar
Preheat oven to 300. Combine oats and nuts. Mix salt and cinnamon in oat mixture. Combine oil, honey, brown sugar and vanilla. Pour mixture over oats and mix well with a spatula (or just dig in with your hands).
Spread over parchment paper on large baking sheets with lip. Bake 15 minutes, then remove to flip/stir. Bake another 15 minutes. Let cool for at least 30 minutes. It will appear still soft at first, but will harden while sitting out.
*You can use canola or vegetable, but I don’t cook with industrial seed oils at home. Olive oil leaves an unwanted olive taste to baking recipes.
