Vanilla Almond Granola
Homemade granola is surprisingly easy to make, and with ingredients that I already have at home. Granola is versatile because you change up the ingredients to your liking, or based on what you have in your kitchen. This version is inspired by Trader Joe’s Almond Vanilla Granola. Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips to make a delicious chocolate granola, or use maple syrup instead of honey for a yummy Maple Sea Salt granola. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup raw almonds (whole or sliced)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or melted coconut oil
3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, 2 tablespoons chia or flax seeds, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to make it "chocolate” granola and add chocolate chips after it is baked and cooled.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease the pan with olive oil.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss until coated. If granola is not sticking together and seems dry, add some more olive oil and honey.
Bake granola: Spread into a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown, stirring every ~8 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly and to prevent browning on the edges.
Enjoy as a snack, over yogurt with berries, sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey, or “cereal style” with milk. It especially tastes great when it’s still warm from the oven.