Simple Scratch Granola

Granola contains so many ingredients that help promote good health: cholesterol-reducing whole oats, digestion-slowing fibre, anti-inflammatory fats, protein and complex carbohydrates. Add it to milk, yogurt or cottage cheese and you've got a well-balanced breakfast or snack. It takes no time to make and you can personalize it with your own special ingredients. This huge batch of granola can easily be cut in half for a smaller batch. To start, preheat your oven to 350 F...

Ingredients:

8 cups whole oats

1 cup unsweetened coconut

3/4 cup wheat bran

3/4 cup ground flaxseed

1 1/2 cups sliced almonds

1 cup shelled unsalted sunflower seeds

1 cup pumpkin seeds (optional with or without the shell)

3 tablespoons cinnamon

1 1/2 cups golden raisins

1/2 cup honey (use maple syrup for vegan option)

1/3 cup olive oil

2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1) In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Mix well. Split into two roasting pans or cookie sheets.

2) In a saucepan, warm the honey and oil over medium heat, stirring often, until bubbling. Remove from heat and add the vanilla.

3) Pour half the honey-oil mixture over each granola portion and mix until well blended.

4) Bake each batch ~16 minutes, taking them out of the oven half way to stir.

Submitted by: Brooke Bulloch, RD