Home made Granola

Breakfast is the most important meal of your day. Don't we all know the oft repeated health mantra -Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. This time around, I wanted to post a simple Granola recipe which works well with busy schedules and people with a sweet tooth (people like srinath..lol..). I make this granola for him.(I cannot eat anything sweet as the first thing in the morning). I am not into buying any name brand breakfast cereals for N number of reasons. Making granola or any other cereal at home is easier than you think and also saves you from the guilt of eating ingredients you cant spell (read preservatives and food additives)...:). Technically speaking, any breakfast cereal is nothing but the sweeter version of our regular chivda or poha/aval mixture.

All you need: serves 10
Rolled (Cooking) oats - 3 cups
Almonds (chopped or whole) - 1 cup
Dry Coconut  - 1/2 cup grated (optional)
Brown sugar (light) - 1/2 cup (or less)
Honey - 1/4 cup
Olive oil - 1/4 cup (or less)
Salt - 1/4 tsp
Raisins - 1/2 cup (optional)

Method

• Start the oven at 285 degrees F 
• Use pre heat time as well. Spread oats and almonds on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 5 - 8 minutes (keep checking and sifting through the oats to avoid burning)
• Take the tray out and let it cool for a few minutes
• Take a mixing bowl and combine the oats, almonds, raisins, coconut, and brown sugar mix them well
• In a separate bowl, combine honey, oil, and salt.
• Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix well using a spatula or a spoon
• Spread the mixture on baking trays and leave it in the oven for 40- 45 minutes
• Make sure that you stir every 15 minutes to prevent oats from burning.
• Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed. 

Let the granola cool for at least an hour before you transfer it to an air tight container. Enjoy this yummy granola with warm milk and diced fruits and have a wonderful day.