Homemade Granola {Low-Fat & Super-Customizable!}

I learned how to make granola. And let me tell you- it's easy! My step mom gave me her recipe. My favorite part about it is how customizable it can be. Also, it uses apple sauce instead of oil making it a low fat treat. Score! We made a few batches- Vanilla Almond, Cranberry Walnut and Blueberry Almond.

You start by mixing all of your delicious ingredients together.

Then you spread it all out on a pan. And bake it.

Enjoy it. With some yogurt? Milk? Ice Cream? By itself? Up to you!

Homemade Low-Fat Granola
Ingredients
6 cups rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut
3/4 cup nuts, your choice, sliced or chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
1/4 cup flax seeds (optional)
1 cup grape nuts (optional)

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, blueberries, raisins...whatever sounds good!)

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oats, coconut, nuts, brown sugar, seeds and cereal in large bowl. In small bowl or glass measuring cup, combine honey, applesauce, water and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients over dry and mix well to coat. Spread evenly on greased baking sheets or pans. Cook in preheated oven 20-35 minutes, stirring every 7-8 minutes or so. Remove from oven when slightly crisp. Stir in dried fruit. Granola will harden more once it cools. Allow to cool completely and store in airtight container. Makes about 10 cups.

 Once you have the main ingredients down, it's really up to you how you want to customize it. Feel like adding some pumpkin seeds? Why not? Dried apples & cinnamon? Ok! It's up to you.