Homemade Granola

 It's Saturday morning. Let's be honest with each other. You probably slept in. You probably haven't even thought about breakfast. Unless you are like me and are constantly anticipating breakfast. Because it is your favorite. Ever. 

Maybe you like a liquid breakfast. Maybe you have a bagel. With cream cheese. Every morning. Maybe you do not want to break your tired old routine. But I think you should. I think you should shake things up this weekend. 

 I have bought a lot of granola from the store. My favorite is made in Maryland. It is sold by gourmet grocery stores and Whole Foods. It is kinda pricey. But it is more than kinda good. It is eat by the bag full good. 

I seem to forget how inexpensive it is to make your own granola. And how much fun it is because you can really throw just about anything in it. Maybe everything but the kitchen sink. Unless you like that sort of thing. 

 Granola to me is the prefect snack. But of course it works so well as breakfast when on top of fresh fruit and yogurt. I know a lot of people who eat granola just like any old cereal with some milk. Hint: trying eating it with almond milk. 

You could even throw some granola into a smoothie for some texture. Try using some granola as a garnish to your next apple or pumpkin pie. No matter how you eat granola it always seems to be better when you've made it yourself. Add all of your favorite nuts and spices and share with some friends. They will be certain to ask you to make it more often. 

Homemade Granola
6 cups rolled oats
1 heaping cup sliced almonds
1 heaping cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup wheat germ (optional)
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two rimmed baking sheets with a little nonstick cooking spray.

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with your hands or a rubber spatula. Make sure all of the wet ingredients are distributed well.

Spread the granola onto your baking sheets. Bake for approximately 45 minutes. Stirring the granola every 15 minutes to ensure even browning.

Let the granola cool completely before storing in an airtight container.