Homemade granola wins over store bought every time… and not just because it makes the whole house smell like heaven! Ever read the ingredients of that boxed granola before you purchase it? Do yourself a favour and take a peek! Store bought granolas are usually filled with nasty ingredients like the ones listed below:
(these are only SOME of the nasties and not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the health hazards)
- soy and canola oil (highly processed= rancid, artery clogging, more than likely GMO, and, and, and…)
- natural flavourings (sometimes a hidden name for MSG)
- wheat (hits the top of the list for common food allergens)
- soy flakes (soy is also one of the top common food allergens, more than likely GMO)
- modified corn starch (sometimes a hidden name for MSG)
- nonfat dried milk (high nitrite content, rancid cholesterol which can contribute to heart disease)
- soy protein isolate (sometimes a hidden name for MSG)
- BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole) This is an additive to keep the product “fresh”, mean while it’s also found in jet fuel!!!! POISON ALERT
- dried berries with ADDED sugar
- sugar
- sugar
- and more sugar! (Its nickname is literally “the silent killer”….need I say more? Sugar is NOT a nutrient, it causes inflammation throughout the body, causes weight gain, creates a hormonal disaster, makes you moody, sick, achy, tired.. the list goes on and on and on.)
It is extremely easy to make granola at home, and the best part.. you know what goes in it! There are many homemade granola variations… here is one that I enjoy making…
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Extra Thick Rolled Oats (Organic and Gluten free)
- 2 cups Buckwheat groats (Raw OR if you can find sprouted buckwheat- even better!)
- 4 tablespoons coconut sugar
- ½ cup raw chopped almonds
- ½ cup raw chopped hazelnuts
- ½ cup raw sunflower seeds
- 4-5 tablespoons coconut nectar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (Brand: Silk unsweetened)
- 5 teaspoons cinnamon
- 5 teaspoons vanilla bean powder
Get creative, and add some other goodies like: 2 tablespoons flax seeds, chia seeds, coconut flakes, dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, etc.
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper, (depending on the size of your tray, you may have to use 2).
- Use your food processor to chop up the hazelnuts and almonds, pulse only 2 times (enough to break the nuts into pieces).
- Place all dry ingredients into a bowl and mix.
- Add in wet ingredients and mix well.
- Spread out the mixture so it is level and even on the lined pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes (Stir occasionally to ensure the granola cooked evenly).
- Remove from the oven and let dry for 10 minutes.
Jar and ENJOY!
This granola can be enjoyed on its own, in some nut milk, with some coconut yogurt or sheep’s milk yogurt, or on top of a smoothie…the options are endless!