Loaded Granola

My new routine involves eating dinner before 6pm and not snacking afterwards. So when I wake in the morning, I'm hungry and looking for something yummy and healthy to eat. I have also ditched the cream and sugar in my coffee and started drinking it black, which I enjoy - IF I have something sweet to snack on. This is where my loaded granola recipe takes place. I love granola and I love cereal, however, store-bought granola is expensive and may contain a lot of sugar, so I prefer to make it myself to save money and be aware of what goes into it. Surprisingly, once you get the hang of this, it's not too difficult or time-consuming.

Materials:

Large baking sheet

Parchment paper

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Granola Ingredients:

5 cups oats

1/4 cup molasses

1/2 cup natural peanut butter or nut butter of your choice

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup maple syrup or raw honey

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt

Mix all of the granola ingredients into a large bowl.

Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 20-30 mins, but make sure to turn the granola every 10 minutes and check that it is not burning. It is ready when it is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes, then add whichever additional ingredient (below) you would like to make it more nutritious and delicious.

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup raisins

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut

1 cup chopped walnuts or slivered almonds

2 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp hemp hearts

Once you have combined all your ingredients, place your granola in a large tupperware container and store someplace cool and dry. It lasts up to 6 weeks. Enjoy a small bowl of your homemade granola topped with berries and almond milk or on yogurt.