Homemade granola

Homemade granola is so easy but most importantly, you can control what goes into it.  I have experimented with several different recipes, chosing and deleting ingredients to make it my own.  Don't be afraid to do the same.

Here's what I did:
Preheat over 350F

In small saucepan add:

3 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil (the recipe called for vegetable oil, but I never use that)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup organic pure maple syrup (the recipe called for 1/4 cup white sugar; try never to use that)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chinese five spice
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger (I would have used fresh grated ginger, but ran out)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla, almond extract,  orange or lemon extract, whatever you like, but just pick one

You can add or delete any of the spices to your own taste

Heat ingredients just until mixed, not necessary to boil; set  aside

In separate bowl mix
3 cups oats (not the quick cooking stuff)
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup pistachios
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup dried cherries, cranberries, blueberries, what ever you want
1/4 cup almonds

Put pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, walnuts and almonds in a heated, dry pan and toast for just a couple minutes, then add to oats.

Add whatever dried fruit you want. Actually, you can add whatever you like to it.  That is the beauty of homemade granola.

Pour liquid over dry ingredients, and thoroughly mix until all dry ingredients are coated.

Put piece of parchment papaer on a cookie sheet and spread mixture on top.  Bake 10  minutes, take out of oven and stir mixture, return to oven.  Continue to cook and stir in 10 minute intervals for 30 minutes, or until granola is toasted brown.

Remove and  let cool 10 minutes.  Break up as you desire.  I left a few bigger pieces.

It is really delicious.  Let me know if you try it.