Homeade Granola

Recently I tried going the “no-processed” food route.  The result of that experiment is another story! Suffice it to say… I quickly discovered how truly difficult it is to eat no processed foods!
I am a snacker.  I try choosing healthy snacks, like energy bars and granola. But I realized that most granola (even from the grocery bakery), were processed to include corn starch or high fructose corn syrup!  So my kids and I  came up with our own version.  They added M&M’s to theirs!

Homeade Granola

Ingredients:

5-6 cups rolled oats

3 tbsp. Coconut oil*

1 tbsp. Butter**

2 tbsp. Brown sugar

1 cup whole or halved almonds (or nut of your choice)

2 cups roasted sunflower seeds

1-2 cups dried fruit (raisins, cherries, etc.)

Dash of Sea salt (if you use salted nuts and seeds it is enough)

Heat coconut oil and butter on medium heat until melted.  Add oats and stir until oats are coated with oil mixture. Leave on medium heat until oats are slightly browned.  Add brown sugar and coat.  Add the rest of ingredients and mix.

Cool and eat!!!

*Coconut oil can be found in most grocery stores with the oils.  It is a flavorless and solid at room temperature.  Many believe it is healthier than corn or canola oil and it is great for baking and cooking.  Its drawback is that it can be expensive and doesn’t come in large sizes.  But it is well worth it! Another oil can be substituted.
**I know too much butter is not good. But in this recipe, real butter improves the taste drastically.