Granola

I love granola – mix it with yogurt (my go-to food) and you have ambrosia on a spoon. I especially enjoy homemade granola – my grandmother and aunt make the absolute best. Yesterday, in an attempt to introduce new, gluten-free morsels of starch I decide to make my own granola. It’s based on my aunt’s recipe.

Ingredients
4 1/2 cups oats (as usual I use Quaker)
1/3 cup honey
2 Tbs molasses
1 Tbs maple sugar
1/4 cup of oil
Splash of milk (about 1 Tbs)
Dried fruit (use whatever sounds good; I used raisins, “craisins” and two types of dried cherries)*

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 F
2. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.
3. In separate bowl, combine wet ingredients.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix well – until oats and dried fruit are thoroughly coated.
5. Spread onto large, rimmed baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check on it mid way through the baking time and stir to obtain an even, crispy texture and well-toasted taste.

*My stomach can’t handle goodies such as coconut and nuts, but these are also excellent additions to the basic formula. Experiment with enticing ingredients and try interesting flavor combinations, it’s pretty difficult to ruin granola:)