Homemade Granola

Granola can be pretty expensive, and gluten free granola is that times two. I have never really understood why granola is so expensive. It takes all of 2 minutes to whip up and is pretty inexpensive to make. The main expense of gluten free granola are the gluten free oats. In theory, all oats are gluten free. The problem is actually cross contamination. If you happen to have a gluten allergy, you will want to pay the extra bucks for the gluten free oats. If you are cutting gluten out as a part of a lifestyle choice, or due to a gluten sensitivity, you can usually get away with your regular old fashioned or steel cut oats. After that, the sky is the limit on the versatility of this recipe. You can substitute the nuts and seeds of your choice, add dried fruit and spices, or, by all means, just follow my recipe. It gets even better, you are not limited to just plain crunchy granola. If you let the granola cool for 2 hours after baking, you can cut them into bars. Back off on the baking time a little, and you get a more chewy bar. I'm telling you, this granola is so good, I have to make 2 batches to survive the weekend!

Ingredients:

3 cups gluten free old fashioned oats

1 cup salted roasted cashews

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup sliced almonds

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)

1 stick butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

Recipe:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix oats, nuts, baking soda, and salt together. You will want to use more or less salt to taste, it really depends on the nuts you're using and whether or not the butter is salted. 

Over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, and honey. You can just as easily do this in the microwave, just heat in 30 second increments.

Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Smooth granola out evenly onto a parchment lined baking pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Baking for 15 minutes will produce a chewier granola, while baking for 20 minutes will produce a crunchier granola.

Allow to cool completely before storing in an air tight container or zip top bag. 

Enjoy!!!