Homemade Granola: A Wholesome and Customizable Breakfast or Snack

Granola is a breakfast cereal made from toasted oats, nuts, and seeds. It is often sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and can be flavored with spices, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. Granola is a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and can be enjoyed with milk, yogurt, or fruit.

Granola was invented in the late 19th century by Dr. James Caleb Jackson, a physician and health food advocate. Jackson was looking for a way to improve the health of his patients, and he believed that a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, and seeds would be beneficial. He developed a recipe for granola that was made with oats, nuts, seeds, and honey, and baked until it was golden brown and crispy. Jackson's granola was a hit with his patients, and it soon became a popular breakfast food. Today, granola is enjoyed by people all over the world, and it is a staple in many health food stores.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, chia seeds)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts and seeds, coconut, cranberries, flaxseed, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
3. Stir until the oats are evenly coated.
4. Spread the granola mixture in an even layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown and toasted.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
7. Store the granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
8. Enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or fruit for breakfast or as a snack.

Why It Works

• The oats in granola provide a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating.
• The nuts and seeds in granola are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and healthy fats are important for heart health and brain function.
• The honey or maple syrup in granola provides a natural sweetness. Honey and maple syrup are also good sources of antioxidants.
• The spices, dried fruit, and chocolate chips in granola add flavor and variety. Spices can provide a warm or spicy flavor, while dried fruit and chocolate chips can add sweetness and texture.