Homemade Granola

Recipe courtesy of Kiss My Spatula

Ingredients
4 cups organic rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped or sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts or pecans
1 cup shredded coconut
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon all spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable or olive oil
1/3 cup good honey
1/3 cup apple juice or apple cider
1 cup dried cranberries (or any favorite dried fruit)

Yields 7-8 cups.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, nuts, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon, all spice, and salt. Whisk together the oil, honey, and water in a small bowl or in a measuring cup.
2. Pour the liquid mixture over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated. Spread the granola onto a large sheet pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until it turns an even golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. 
3. Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool completely, stirring occasionally. Add the dried cranberries. Store the cooled granola in an airtight container.

I am a self-declared granola connoisseur. My pantry hosts numerous boxes of various granolas, all crammed side-by-side in a line, as though nervously awaiting my judgement. Having sampled countless variations of this hearty breakfast item, I can confidently say that this homemade granola takes the cake in every category: taste, consistency, and healthiness. Packed with hidden preservatives and sugars, store-bought granola does not live up to its healthy reputation and leaves you unsatisfied after the meal. My homemade version maintains a tasty, nutritious combination of flavors and provides you with a strong boost of energy to start the day. Each spoonful contains crunchy, golden brown oats and nuts, chewy dried cranberries and tender wisps of coconut, all coated in a subtle layer of honey and brown sugar. Served with sliced bananas and milk, granola simply cannot get any better.