Homemade Granola

I love homemade granola, especially when it is paired with homemade yogurt! The first recipe below is one that was given to me for our wedding almost two years ago. The second recipe is a lighter version but equally as tasty. It's the one that I make the most frequently since it has less sugar and oil. Try both!

Traditional Granola

• 3/4 c. oil

• 1/2 c. pure maple syrup

• 1 1/4 c. brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 4 teaspoons vanilla

• 6 1/2 c. rolled oats

• 1 c. unsweetened coconut

• 1-2 c. sliced almonds or chopped pecans

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Combine the oil, maple syrup, and brown sugar and microwave for 2 minutes.

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Pour syrup mixture over the top and stir until well mixed.

Spread evenly in two jelly roll pans and press evenly to compress the granola. Bake for 15 minutes. Then switch pans to opposite racks and turn. Bake for 10-15 minutes more or until lightly browned.

Cool in pan and then break into clumps. Stir in dried fruit if desired. Store in an airtight container.

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Healthier Granola

• 3 c. rolled oats

• 1 c. almonds, chopped or slivered

• 3/4 c. unsweetened coconut

• 2 tsp. cinnamon

• 1/4 c. oil

• 1/4 c. maple syrup

• 1/2 Tablespoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, syrup, and vanilla. Pour the liquid over the oats and stir until well combined.

Evenly spread the mixture in a jelly roll pan. Bake for 1 hour until golden brown, stirring every 20 minutes. Cool completely and stir in dried fruit if desired. Store in an airtight container.