That Real Mom Life

Crunchy, sweet, nutty goodness. Made with honey & maple syrup that gives it a depth you won’t taste unless you make it yourself.

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I know that title sounds like a stretch but to me and my family, it’s true! My family started really upping our fiber intake (you’ve heard fiber is the new protein, right?) and as we were looking for other simple ways to do this, we decided to make a granola recipe. After a few weeks of making it over and over, I finally nailed the perfect granola and if we go a day without it both my husband and kids are asking for it again.

Now I myself have never been a granola eater but even I can’t resist this recipe. It’s just too good! It’s the perfect blend of healthy, with organic seeds and nuts and whole rolled oats, balanced with tons of flavor found in the way the honey and maple syrup caramelizes in the oven (along with a little butter).

Let’s talk ingredients.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use whatever nuts or seeds you like best! For us we use:

Whole Rolled Oats, slivered almonds, coconut chips, pepitas, butter, coconut oil, salt, cinnamon, maple syrup and honey.

That being said, the coconut is a must- it’s the best part of this recipe in my opinion and that’s coming from someone who’s profusely professed to HATE the texture of coconut. The key to this is getting the coconut CHIPS not the thin shaved flakes. It gives this recipe a texture boost and you don’t have to worry about the thin flakes burning while you toast everything.

The butter is also an interchangeable ingredients. This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of butter but I’ve made it with coconut oil and it’s just as delicious! It does end up a tad more greasy when I use only coconut so I’ve figured out that doing half butter, half coconut oil brings that nutty flavor from the butter still without the greasiness from using only coconut oil.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350.
2. In a pot on the stove or in a heat proof bowl in the microwave, melt your butter or coconut oil (or both) with the honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
3. While that is melting, in a very large bowl mix together all of your oats and nuts.
4. Once the butter mixture is done melting, add in your vanilla extract and pour everything over the oats and nuts.
5. Mix very well to really get each piece of oat and nut coated.
6. Pour the granola onto a lined baking sheet. Depending on the size of your tray you may need 2. You want to get a nice thin layer so the baking is as even as possible.
7. Place in the oven for 10 minutes. Take it out after 10 minutes and stir it around before spreading it into a thin layer again and putting it in the oven. Do this again multiple times as it continues to bake to avoid burning and to ensure an even bake! I usually end up baking mine for around 20-25 minutes.
8. TIP! If you’re looking to create nice clumps in your granola – on the last mix before you put it back in the oven the final time – press down hard on the granola with the back of a spatula. Do this all around the sheet tray. Put it back in the oven a final time and once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool COMPLETELY before touching it. The granola with stick as it cools and you can then break it apart into your container and you’ll have delicious clumps!

Let’s get to the recipe!