I love granola but I refuse to buy it – probably because it’s so much easier to make it and, as an added plus – it’s better for you because you control the ingredients. See, ever since I really started reading the ingredients on packages, I’ve been scared senseless and wondering what really is in those ingredients we can’t pronounce and need a PhD to understand what they are. Now, granted, there are still some processed foods that I do indulge in (like my Cool Ranch Doritos but I refuse to read the ingredient list on that bag), but I’ll continue to channel my inner ostrich until I can find a sufficient “cleaner” alternative.
Have you ever made your own granola? Are there some foods you just don’t want to know the ingredients and refuse to give up?
Gather the ingredients
Adding the syrup
Time to Bake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup best quality cocoa
- 4 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds (or pepitas)
- 3/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/3 cup brown rice syrup (or maple syrup)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 cup of dried cherries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 310 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, mix everything but the dried cherries.
- Spread the chocolatel mixture onto two baking sheets lined with a silpat.
- Bake for 45 minutes, taking care to stir every 15-20 minutes or so.
- Allow to cool, mix in the dried cherries and store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!