Simple Homemade Granola

How about starting your day with this simple homemade granola?! The Littles sure did enjoy it this morning.  We found the recipe in Chef Bobo’s Good Food Cookbook and followed the simple instructions.  The Littles love it plain with flavors of maple and vanilla starring front and center.  Of course, I’ve already dreamed up several variations for the next few batches.

Why buy over processed cereal when you can make this simple granola? There is no excess or wasteful packaging, you know exactly what ingredients the granola contains and it tastes so much better. The Littles can’t decide if they like it served with milk and fruit for breakfast or sprinkled over yogurt  and drizzled with agave nectar for snack.  And judging from the empty cereal bowl I found in the sink this morning, Husband thinks its pretty good too.   Try it, you’ll like it.

Maple Vanilla Granola

5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats ***

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1/4 cup honey

1 Tbs vanilla extract

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl mix the oats, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon.

In another small bowl, mix the oil, maple syrup, honey and vanilla.  Pour the honey mixture over the oat mixture and mix with your hands until well combined.  This is messy!

Spread the granola on the prepared baking sheet.  Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool completely then crumble granola into big chunks and small bits.  Store in an airtight container.

Thank you Chef Bobo! We love you and this granola.

*** Gluten-Free Update: We make this staple at The Schell Cafe with Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free oats