Housemade Granola

Convinced that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, certainly one that sets the mood for the coming hours, I wanted to share this recipe for healthy granola. Unlike the store bought varieties that are filled with an abundance of fat, refined sugar and preservatives, this granola tastes great, is good for you and lasts up to 4 weeks in an air tight container. Serve with organic, no-sugar-added almond milk or organic, grass-fed low fat milk.

Housemade Granola

4 c rolled oats

1/3 c whole, raw almonds, halved

5 dried apricots, chopped

1/3 c raw pepitas (no shell pumpkin seeds)

1/4 c Stevia

1/4 c good maple syrup

1/3 c golden or yellow raisins or dried currants

Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, combine all ingredients except raisins.

Spread granola on parchment paper and cook for 25 minutes, stirring at the 15 minute mark.

Remove granola from the oven and stir in raisins.

Cook for another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Store in an airtight container.

Serves 6-8.

Source:  Adapted from Fran Ward.