Store bought cereal is so expensive, and thus out of my budget at the moment. But look at what I had in my pantry. Why, the makings of delicious granola were at my fingertips. If you have time, granola is super easy to make.
Here's what you will need:
Thick rolled oats (don't use the instant or quick cook kind)
Nuts (I used walnuts and almonds)
Dried fruit (I used coconut, dates, and cranberries)
Some kind of sweetener. I used a mix of agave and maple syrup, but you could use honey, or even boil down some sugar and water into a thick syrup. Ratio can be 4 or 5 parts grain to 1 part sweetener.
Mix the grains and the nuts together, then add your sweetener, and some cinnamon and vanilla for fun. Stir until coated.
Toast your grains and your chopped nuts in a shallow baking pan at 350 degrees until golden. This takes about 20 minutes or so. Take care not to burn the grains, checking them often and stirring them around so as to toast them evenly. Enjoy the heavenly aroma emanating from your oven, and the sense of satisfaction as you scorn the cereal industry for turning basic whole grains into cardboard tasting pap.
Once your grains are all toasted, transfer them into a bowl to cool and then add the fruit. Do not toast the fruit, it will burn.
Let your groovy granola cool and then transfer into a jar. It will keep for a long time in the cupboard, and indefinitely in the freezer. So good on top of yogurt or with your preferred milk/milk alternative. Have fun making the simplest and healthiest cereal on earth!
