Homemade Granola

People who make fun of Baby Boomers often associate our generation with hippie communes, back to nature, and organic foods like bean sprouts, green juice, and granola. We made many of these foods popular in the 60s and 70s.

Many of us are still concerned with what we put in our bodies as we age and want to extend our longevity by living healthy and active lives. Granola is an excellent source of fiber and protein and a smart breakfast or snack choice.

Sadly, not all granola is as healthy as it could be. Some brands are highly sweetened or contain too much sodium. It is better to make it from scratch if you can so you can control what’s in it.

My sister, Janet Leroy, who is a Southwestern feather artist, shared her homemade granola recipes with me and it is not only easy to make but yummy as well.

Enjoy this recipe!

This granola recipe is sweetened with real maple syrup or honey rather than high fructose corn syrup or other unhealthy sugars. You can also add dried fruit for extra antioxidants. I used dried cranberries in this recipe but you can add whatever you like such as dried blueberries, apricots, mango, banana, or whatever else is available. For extra sweetness, add dark chocolate chips.

Pour your favorite milk or yogurt over your granola if you like. My sister loves hers with oat milk. It’s also delicious on top of ice cream or flavored yogurt for dessert. Icelandic yogurt has more protein than other yogurts.

Some of the health benefits of homemade granola are that it provides fiber and protein, especially from nuts, and micronutrients such as iron, vitamin D, folate, and zinc from whole-grain oats and seeds.

If you make it yourself you can be assured that your granola won’t contain the trans fats and sugars that are in some store-bought versions. Granola is also calorie-dense so stick to 1/2 cup portions if you eat it as cereal.

You can easily store your granola in the freezer and use it as needed.