the why buy granola granola

About 2 years ago I really started to love granola. Granola, yogurt & berries were my breakfast of choice. I loved trying out new brands, but the common theme was that they were usually loaded with sodium (that I usually don't pay attention to), calories & fat. Now while SOME of the calories & fat were derived from good sources (i.e. dried fruit, nuts, etc...), others were just LOADED to be loaded.

Another indulgence I have besides granola is Alton Brown. Much to my husband's teasing, I DVR every episode of Good Eats and I watch them usually when he's out of town. Well, one episode was dedicated to "Oat Cuisine", that changed my life.

A bit dramatic I know, and so that you don't get TOO excited about the recipe....let me disclaim....the reason it changed my life is because it's SOOOOO easy. Because I've changed the recipe up a bit (making it healthier than the friend in my head Mr. Brown), I'm not going to give you the nutritional information. Just know, it's ALOT better for you and there are so many yummy things you can add, subtract, adjust to make it you and your family's very own version.

Recipe 2

Alton's Brown's Granola (kinda*)

*I say "kinda" because I have made quite a few modifications to it. In effort to keep Mr. Brown's granola recipe in tact I will write the original version but add in parentheses my alterations.

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup cashews (*chopped Walnuts...seems healthier and I keep them on hand)

3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut (*omit. Tried it once. IMO - Only added unneeded sweetness & fat)

1/4 cup + 2 T dark brown sugar (*many substitutions - I've used sucanat recently)

1/4 cup + 2 T REAL maple syrup (*I've substituted agave or molasses as well)

1/4 cup vegetable oil (*1/4 cup ground flax seed & 1/8 cup oil)

3/4 t salt

1 cup raisins (*omit - only because husband likes better without)

*Other possible additions I've made:

1/4 cup of hemp seed (adds nutty flavor)

Rice Flour (never used, but heard this is a good clumping agent)

Any nuts

Any dried fruit

Lastly, this IS the recipe that my brother that I mentioned earlier asked for. I'll post a picture next time I make it - which is sometimes weekly. Also, my bro said he may try less "sugar" since it is quite sweet. Just a healthier tip for those interested.