Granola Makes Everything Better

I LOVE granola! When I was a kid I wasn't a big fan of cereal. But as I grew up my taste buds changed and I started to like cereals. One of my favorites is granola, but it has to be good granola. Over the past 5 months I've stopped having cereal for breakfast. I realized how much sugar was in even the healthy brands I was buying so now it's just a very special treat.  

What better way to spoil myself by making homemade (healthier) granola? I couldn't think of one. The idea to make homemade granola was inspired from my Oma who has made her own homemade granola for as long as I can remember. For measurements and flavor ideas I was inspired by Detoxinista and Two Peas and Their Pod.

Homemade Granola
2 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup almonds (chopped or slivered)
2 tablespoons raw sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix together the oats, coconut, almonds, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.  In a smaller bowl mix together the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.  Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Stir together until well coated.  Spread out on the parchment paper in an even layer.  Bake for 20 or 30 minutes stirring every 10 minutes to prevent burning.  Take it out when it's golden brown.  Enjoy with warm milk!