Nothing beats homemade, especially when it comes to granola.  Homemade not only tastes better, but it is better for you.   

If you check the label of your favorite store bought granola you may find a long list of ingredients, some of which are un-natural, made from genetically modified organisms, which can affect your health.  Others are added to extend the shelf life of the product.  By making your own granola you can ensure that is healthy and free of addivitives and preservatives.  

This tasty DIY granola recipe is simple and very easy to make.  I tweaked my basic recipe, to make it even better. I adjusted the amount of oats and dried fruit to make this a heartier snack.  I also added stevia, an all-natural calorie free sweetener.  Having stevia allows you all of the pleasure without any of the guilt.  

I love the taste of cinnamon so I decided to increase the amount to 1.5 teaspoons making every bite burst with flavor.  How can you not try these?  

DIY Granola

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup dates
• 2/3 cup agave nectar
• 2 packet of stevia
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 350°.  Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.  Evenly distribute the oats, almonds and sunflower seeds across the cookie sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.  Make sure you stir it about halfway through.

Once it starts to brown take the pan out of the oven.  Decrease the oven temperature to 300°.

Whisk the remaining ingredients (except for the dried fruit) together in a large bowl.  Add the oat & nut mixture and stir until the oats are completely covered. Stir in the dried fruit.  Mix well.

Pour the granola mixture onto the cookie sheet and distribute evenly.  With a spatula press down on the granola so that it's nicely packed in.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.  Cool for a couple of hours and then break up it up into large pieces.

Enjoy!