Can You Hear Me? I'm Crunchy.

In my pursuit of eating healthier, I have researched and researched and read blog upon blog, trying to find those that know what they are doing. After many looooooong months (probably over a year, actually), I do believe I'm finally getting a grip on what to buy and how to cook healthier.

Apparently I'm a slow learner.

One of my favorite things that I have learned to make in this time, that is very healthy, is granola. I heart it very much! Especially while pregnant. While it's versatility abounds, my current favorite way of eating it is as my breakfast cereal. Actually my anytimeofday cereal.

Some granola and a little milk does a Momma good.

So when I included it in a post the other day of things I made during Stress Baking, one of my new bloggy friends asked for the recipe. She's expecting too and I certainly can't deny her, nor her little pea pod, the pleasure of partaking of some good 'ol granola.

This recipe here is my recipe. I've taken basic granola ingredients from various and sundry places, added what I liked and left out what I didn't. That's what's great about granola. You can do that. You can customize it and make it your own. Dude.

Mad Momma's Granola

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

12 c. uncooked old fashioned oats (I'll be buying these in organic bulk soon)

1 c. shredded coconut (or more if I feel like it)

1/4 c. wheat germ (an optional ingredient. I use it for added health benefits)

1 c. whole wheat pastry flour (I use bulk organic from Whole Foods)

1 1/2 T. cinnamon

1 c. sliced almonds

1 1/2 t. salt

1 c. coconut oil (I use bulk, organic, unrefined from Mountain Rose Herbs)

1 1/3 c. honey

1 T. vanilla

You need a very LARGE bowl for this.

Mix first 7 ingredients in large bowl. Mix coconut oil, honey and vanilla in another bowl. If using coconut oil, it will have to be melted first. If using vegetable oil, proceed with reckless abandon. If this mixture is heated to a warm temperature it will pour much better. Pour over oat mixture and stir well. I start with a spoon and eventually use my hands. It's a lot easier to get it mixed thoroughly this way. Spread in a layer (not thick or clumpy) on 2 -3 baking sheets. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes, STIRRING EVERY 15 MINUTES. This is important as it will burn if you do not stir it.

After 45 minutes it will be a golden brown and still very moist. As it cools it will obtain its crunchy texture. After completely cool, store in air tight device of your choosing.

After the mixture cools, things like raisins, dried cranberries (or any dried fruit for that matter), chocolate chips, etc... can be added to it. It's yours - be creative.

(Personally, I would never violate a perfectly good batch of granola with something as nasty as a raisin. It is a vile food substance - it is. But hey, like I said, it's yours. If you want to add something that looks and tastes like rabbit droppings, who am I to stop you? Go for it.)

Also, any nut can be substituted for the almonds. Personally, I like almonds so that's what I use. You can leave the nuts out completely. Same goes for the wheat germ. And the coconut.

Oh, this is a versatile little snack!

So, there you have it. My tasty little treat that is bringing me great palatable pleasure. Give it a try. Let me know what you think.