Hippie Munch

Granola is one of my absolute favorite foods. In fact, it's one of my favorite things in general (it's even listed as one of my facebook interests)! Unfortunately, I've yet to find a granola that truly satiates my hankering. Some have the cinnamon honey flavor that I crave and others have the chewy raisins that I desire, but not one of them has every component of my dream crunchy chewy cereal.

After a morning of munching on some store-bought oats I mustered the motivation to make my own. Who knew that granola was so easy to make? After whipping up a batch this morning, I'm never buying pre-made granola again! it takes no time and one batch will easily last my whole family for a week! It has TONS of cinnamon and raisins, plus almonds, and oat bran making it healthy and flavorful. The spicy aroma emanated the kitchen throughout entire day. I'm posting the recipe for the granola I made this morning, but feel free to adjust the nuts, spices, and fruit to your taste! Next time I'm going to make one with dried apricots and pecans or with walnuts and dried apples.

Low-Fat Granola

4 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats

1/4 cup flax seed

2 tbsp wheat germ

2 tbsp sesame seeds

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup apple sauce

1 tbsp canola oil

1/2 cup raisins

1/3 cup golden raisins

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup sliced blanched almonds

3 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Combine the oats, wheat germ, flax seed, sesame seeds, cinnamon, salt and oil in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
2. Combine the apple sauce, honey, and oil in a separate bowl and stir to combine.
3. Stir the wet mixture into the oat mixture until all of the oats are evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Stir twice throughout the process.
5. Remove from the oven and mix in the dried fruit.

Serve with milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, or on top of ice cream!