Homemade Honey Nut Granola

It seems as if it costs more and more each day to eat healthy.  A small quality bag of granola is around $6 where I live.  We love to eat granola as cereal with fresh fruit in soy milk, as a snack or to add in yogurt.I had an “overage” of oats and pecans in my pantry and needed to do something with them.  The first thing I thought of was homemade granola…it is soooo freakin’ easy to make!

My recipe uses milled golden flaxseed.  According to the Mayo Clinic, ground flaxseed has an abundance of health benefits, such as improving digestive health, reducing cholesterol levels, and may reduce the risk of heart disease.  That’s a mighty big round-up for such a small seed.  You know the old saying:  “big things come in small packages“.

Start with mixing oats, nuts (I used pecans), ground flax seed and cinnamon in a large bowl.  In a smaller bowl, mix olive oil, honey, brown sugar, water, salt and vanilla.  If you’re going to add dried fruit like I did, add it last after the granola has finished cooking and cooled.  I used raisins, but it’s also great with dried cranberries, banana chips, or what ever your heart desires.

Pour the liquid mixture into the granola mixture and stir well to combine.

Spread the granola mixture out evenly in a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the pan.

Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour (or until browned & crispy), stirring every 10-15 minutes so that the bottom of the granola doesn’t burn (yes, it’s happened to me ~ blond moment).

Your wallet will profusely thank you if you purchase prepared granola at the grocery store on a regular basis.  You probably already have everything you need right now to make it ~ so go get yo’ granola on!!!