Granola

One of my niece’s favorite things I make for her is granola, or “Aunt Amy’s Granola” as she calls it.  Some people think that it takes a long time to make granola, but really is only takes about 30 minutes, including prep time!

What I love about making granola is that I can decide what goes in it!  Dried cranberries, dried blueberries, coconut flakes….you name it!  The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients:

• 4c quick cooking oats (I use the gluten free ones)
• 3/4c chopped pecans
• 1/4c to 1/3c light brown sugar (depends on how sweet you like it)
• 2 tbsp vanilla
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp water
• 1c dried fruit (I like cranberries)
• 3/4c mini dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

Put the oats, brown sugar, and pecans in a large bowl.  Add the vanilla, olive oil, and water.  You want the mixture to be slightly damp, but not soaked.

Then spread out on a cookie sheet.

Before baking

Bake for 10 minutes.  Stir it around and then bake for another 10 minutes.  If after 20 minutes, it is dry, you are done!  If not, bake it for 2 minutes at a time until it is dry.

Dried granola

Let the mixture cool.

Once cooled, you can add the chia seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.

Add in your fruit and chocolate!

I will store mine in the freezer so it lasts longer.  However, from what I have heard, when you have a five year old at home, it doesn’t last long!

Ready to store

I think the bowl says it all!