COOK: Gluten Free Granola

 I've been trying to eat healthier, and lately yogurt (Noosa Yoghurt is my favorite, although don't ask me witch flavor, I like them all!) with granola has been one of my favorite lunches.  However, finding a healthier granola that isn't also expensive is a challenge, and if you are also looking to find one that is gluten free it gets more complicated, so I decided to make my own.

The great thing about homemade granola, aside from being able to control the sugars and oils, is being able to customize the nuts, dried fruits, and spices, you can even add chocolate if you want to!

I used only almonds in this recipe, but you can use any nut that you prefer, and add dried fruits as well (things like raisins, dried coconut, dehydrated strawberries).  The spices can also be whatever is to your taste, for example, instead of 1 1/2 teaspoons of nutmeg you can use 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon cloves.  You want to keep the overall measures close so that everything gets enough of the "sauce".  

Notes: Always double check your ingredients to make sure that they are certified gluten free.
You can use regular oats in place of the gluten free oats in this recipe if you do not need it to be gluten free.

Gluten Free Granola

Makes about 6 servings

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Olive Oil

1/4 Cup Honey

1 teaspoon Vanilla

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg

2 Cups Gluten Free Oatmeal (I used Quaker Gluten Free 1-Minute Oats)

3/4 Chopped Raw Almonds

Chopped Chocolate or Chocolate Chips (Optional)

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees, cover a baking sheet with parchment paper (for easier cleanup).

In a large bowl whisk together oil, honey, vanilla, salt and nutmeg until well combined.

Add in oats and almonds, mix until everything is evenly covered in the oil and honey mixture.  Taste a small bit and adjust salt and spices if needed.

Spread granola out on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, gently toss granola and let bake for another 10 minutes.  Granola should be a nice light brown color.  If needed give the granola another toss and bake for another 5 minutes.  (Once it has started to brown it goes very quickly so keep a close eye on it.)

Remove from oven and place baking sheet on a cooling rack, (if you want to add chocolate you can mix it in now.)  Once granola is completely cooled you can gently break it into small pieces if needed.  Store in an airtight container or zippy bag for up to 2 weeks.

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