I really feel that homemade is always better, and homemade granola did not disappoint.  I had never made homemade granola before, and I am really not sure why it has taken me so long.  First off, it is so simple to make, and you get to put what ever you like in it.    And, of course there is always the benefit of knowing exacting what is going into something you are eating, meaning a lot less who knows what and random preservatives.

This granola recipe is full of all my favorites- a variety of nuts, dried fruits and oats.  But, really you can do just about whatever you like and it will turn out great!

{Homemade Granola}

1/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup agave nectar or honey
1/3 cup good quality pure maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp pure almond extract
4 cups uncooked rolled oats (oatmeal)
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 tbs ground flax seeds
1/2 cup dried cranberries*
1/2 cup golden raisins*
1/4 cup dried blueberries*
1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup chopped cashews
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tbs sesame seeds
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
pinch of sea salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a small bowl combine oil, agave nectar, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and almond extract, and stir until well combined.

In a large bowl add the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Slowly fold in the wet contents of the small bowl and coat the dry ingredients well.

Spread out onto greased cookie sheets and bake.  Make sure to stir every 10-15 minutes.  Bake for about 45 minutes or until granola is dry and golden.  Remove from oven, and drizzle with a little honey and stir (optional).

Store in an airtight container.  Eat on top of your yogurt, with milk, or just as a snack!

* With the dried fruit, you can cook tham at the same time as the other ingredients, if you want them to dry out a little more, or if you would like to keep them soft, you can add them at the end.

For a cute packaging idea, click here.

Enjoy!

{photos by me}