Hi Everyone -

So I'm off to see my mom, dad, sisters, future brother-in-law, nephew and grandparents tomorrow in Phoenix! Phew, full house! I had some time in between clients this afternoon, so I decided to bake some homemade granola to share with the fam. I've been tweaking a recipe that I found on MarthStewart.com to make it as healthy and yummy as I can and finally think I've perfected it! Check out the recipe below and feel free to add/subtract any of the dried fruits or nuts. I guarantee you will be pleased with the results and it's a great guilt-free snack by itself or with yogurt (in moderation, of course). =)

ENJOY!


INGREDIENTS:

• Cooking Spray
• 4 cups old-fashioned oats (High in Fiber)
  
• 1/2 cup chopped almond slivers (Healthy fat to fight off heart disease & diabetes)
  
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (High in Antioxidants)
  
• 1/2 cup mixed berries & raisins (blueberries, cranberries, raisins, golden raisins)
  
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried apricot (Dried fruits help regulate digestion)
  
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• Large handful of Flax Seeds (High in Omega-3 essential fatty acids)
  
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (Helps lower bad cholesterol & arthritis pain)
  
• Pinch of Salt
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (Strengthens the immune system)
  
• 1/4 cup honey (Aids in controlling blood sugar levels)
  
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and lightly coat a large rimmed baking sheet.
2. In a large bowl mix the oats, nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, flax seed, cinnamon & salt. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine coconut oil, honey & brown sugar. Bring to a boil (usually takes about 3 min.) and remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Drizzle the syrup over the oat mixture and toss with a wooden spoon.
5. Pour the granola onto the baking sheet and spread evenly.
6. Bake until golden (around 18min.) and stirring at least 3 times to prevent burning.
7. Let granola cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Break into chunks and store in an airtight container.