One of my favorite snacks is granola. However, I was never a big fan of it until I started making my own about seven years ago. It is incrediably easy, and the taste of homemade doesn’t even compare to what can be bought at the grocery store.

Much like the granola bars I like to make, the best part of homemade granola is the recipe’s flexibility. I rarely make the same granola twice because I always use whatever I have on hand. No honey? No problem – I’ll substitute maple syrup! Extra flax seeds in the cabinet? Toss them in! Don’t like coconut? Don’t use it!

This recipe is great served with cold milk as a quick breakfast or tasty snack. I also add it to vanilla ice cream or stir some in a morning smoothie. Its always a great energy boost!

My Basic Granola Recipe

4 cups old fashioned (not instant!) oats
2 cups coconut
1 cup wheat germ
1-2 cups sliced almonds
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup honey
dried fruits (cherries, cranberries, raisins, and/or apricots are always good choices)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine oats, coconut, wheat germ, almonds, and brown sugar. In a small bowl, mix oils and honey. Pour oil/honey into large bowl with dry ingredients and mix well.

Spread mixture onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake in oven for 25 minutes. Remove and stir well. Put back in oven for another 20-25 minutes – until the granola is well browned. Total baking time should be 45-50 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool. Pour into a storage container and add dried fruits. Shake well.