Homemade Granola

Granola is one of those foods that are so easy to make, but are almost always bought packaged. While there are countless great brands that make all natural, organic, and delicious blends of granola out there, (Galaxy Granola is my favorite when I don't have access to any machine resembling an oven), there is simply no excuse not to make your own when it is so simple and speedy. Not to mention that granola making is a fantastic avenue to express your creative side!

All sorts of fruit, nuts and seeds can be added to alter the taste and nutritional value. While there are many recipes out there that call for eons of sugar, I prefer my granola to be only slightly sweet. Honey takes care of that. The sweet-tooths out there may want to add a few tablespoons to the mixture.

Homemade Granola

2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup honey

just enough olive oil to coat the oats, about 4 tablespoons

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice mix

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 tablespoons sugar, (optional)

1/2 cup nuts (almonds are delicious)

1/2 cup raisins or other types of dried fruit

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine olive oil and honey in a small bowl. Heat for about 30 seconds in the microwave. In another bowl, combine oats, spices and sugars. Pour the hot oil and honey over to coat completely. Stir in nuts, fruit or any other add-ins.

Spread oats into a greased cookie pan. Press gently. Place into the oven and bake until golden brown! Check often to make sure none of the fruit is burnt.

Serve with soy or almond milk, drizzled with a little honey. This would also great if it topped off a cup of Fage or Soy yogurt.