Grandma's Granola

I'm not a new year dieter. I do set resolutions but they are adjusted year round. I don't believe in dieting though. I believe in healthy eating habits that include delicious treats. However, my mom brought us this granola last year and we love it. Granola is health food right? Well, whether or not you agree, try this recipe, we love it.

Granola

6 cups regular oats

1/2 cup almonds, chopped

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 bag coconut

1/4 cup chia seeds

1/4 cup cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 Tbsp Coconut oil

1/2 cup honey

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp vanilla

1 cup raisins or dried cherries

Preheat oven to 350. Mix oats with nuts, seeds, cinnamon, & coconut. Put on heavy baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are golden and toasted. (About 10 minutes) In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine oil, sugar and honey. Bring to a boil and stir until all melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour over toasted oats and mix thoroughly. Return to baking sheet and spread out with spatula. Bake until fragrant and golden, 10-13 minutes. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then break into smaller pieces before totally cool.

Granola bars

A dear friend shared this recipe with me, it makes delicious granola bars. I have given up my dependency on Nature Valley because now I can whip up my own! Yay! Cheaper, healthier, tastier and definitely kid friendly. I took these on a trip with some friends and all the kids were eating them and asking for more and picking at crumbs. Perfect for emergency snacks in the car, on trips, or just for snacking, You will love this simple recipe too.

Granola Bars

4 cups quick cook oatmeal, unprepared
¾ cup chocolate chips
¾ cup grated coconut
¾ cup chopped nuts/dried fruit
¾ cup honey
¾ cup peanut butter
milk as needed (4 Tbsp seems to be perfect for me)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, adding small amounts of milk until the dough begins to stick together. Press mix into well greased large baking pan (jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with lip) that has a ½ inch lip on the edge. Bake at 325◦ F for 40-45 minutes or until the edges just start to brown. Cut into desired size bars while still hot but do not remove from pan until completely cool. (Your pizza cutter is your friend here, makes it easy to cut them.)

Chocolate chips, coconut and chopped nuts/dried fruit may be taken out and replaced with other ingredients of your choice. Also, the peanut butter may be omitted and the honey doubled.

Best storage option according to my friend is a tupperware container, and its worked well for me. They haven't lasted longer than 2 days in our house so I can't give a time length beyond that.