Granola

I got this recipe from my friend, Jolene, and seriously ate it every day for over a year!  It makes a lot, so you can portion it and freeze it if you don't think you'll eat it all in time...or just keep it in your fridge, it actually will keep in there for a while!  If you want an energy-packed way to start your day, make this, you'll love it!

Preheat the oven to 350

Glaze:
1/2 t. salt (this can actually be omitted if you want)
3/4 c. coconut oil
1 c. agave nectar
1 t. cinnamon (I add about 1 T...because I LOVE cinnamon!...Nutmeg would also be good!)


Bring to a light boil and simmer for a few minutes

Remove from heat and add 1 t. of vanilla.

Cereal:
4 c. old fashioned oats...not quick cook
1 c. barley flakes (looks just like oatmeal, but made from barley)
1 c. wheat bran
1 c. oat bran
1/2 c. wheat germ

Optional add ins:
raw shredded coconut (HIGHLY recommended!  Coconut helps your thyroid function properly, AND helps your metabolism...so even though it's high in fat, it doesn't make you fat!)
walnuts (chopped)
almonds (slivered or sliced)
sunflower seeds
flax seeds (ground up)
dried fruit (no sugar added...read the label!)

*Note:  all nuts and seeds and ingredients are to be used in raw, unsalted forms, as unprocessed as you can find them.  Visit your Health Food store and get all the ingredients there...this will help you make the healthiest granola possible!

You're going to mix the glaze with the cereal part, and whatever add ins you chose, make sure it's all coated evenly...the glaze should be pretty sticky.

Spread over 2, heavily sprayed 9x13 pans, and bake for 30-40 minutes...checking often, and stirring so that it doesn't burn. When it's done,  cool completely in the pans, stirring occasionally so it doesn't all stick together. 

Done!  Now you have about 22 c. worth of breakfast!

Note:  Although this is very healthy, it is very high in fat...good fats...but try to limit yourself to having only 1/2 c.-1 c. in the morning, so your body has a chance to burn it off throughout the day.  It's easy to want to keep eating it, because it's so darn good!  Like I said above, I ate this every morning for over a year, and never gained 1 lb (without working out either)...so although it's loaded with calories and fats, they are high quality, and your body will recognize the difference between this and a donut!