Granola, in my opinion, gets a bad rap.

And yes, if you are buying granola from the grocery store and look at the label and can’t pronounce half of the ingredients, it deserves a bad rap.

So, make a batch of this and you will never want to eat store bought granola again.

Yes, I am serious.

Oats, ready for harvest.

Ingredients

1/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
3 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons canola oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
Pinch of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup raw slivered almonds
1/4 cup golden flax seed meal (you can grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder to make this)
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup dried sour cherries, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup golden raisins

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, coconut oil, canola oil and maple syrup.

Microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Add the baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth. Add the almonds, flax meal, and oats.

Stir until completely coated.

Next, spread the mixture out on the baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven, stirring occasionally, until toasted and golden This will take about 40 minutes.

Let cool completely, then add the cherries, cranberries, and raisins.

Store the granola in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

If you’re like me, you will wonder how it was determined this lasted two weeks, mine was gone over the course of a wintery weekend at home.

Second, because this will be eaten soon after it is made, make a double batch. You won’t regret it.

I use as a TV snack, as a snack at work, and whenever I feel the need for a little energy that isn’t all sugar.

Enjoy!

Serving suggestions, blueberries and fresh granola as a breakfast cereal.