Granola

We don't eat cold cereal since for the most part, it's expensive, highly processed and pretty much useless in the nutrition department. Some days, though, you just want something quick and crunchy in the morning - or to top your yogurt with. On those occasions, this granola is just the thing. It's soaked, so it's even more nutritious and easier on the digestion.

This recipe is just a basic starting place. You may need a smaller/larger amount, or prefer another combination of spices. I like for the granola itself to be more background for the toppings, so you may need more spice/sweetener in yours. 

Soaked Granola

    * 8 c. rolled oats
    * 2 cups nuts, sunflower seeds or a combination
    * 1/2 c melted butter
    * 1/2 c. melted coconut oil.
    * 1 1/2 c. yogurt
    * 2 cup water
    * 3/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup
   * 1 tsp. sea salt
    * 1 tsp ground cinnamon
   

In a large bowl, mix oats, butter, oil, yogurt and water. Add oats and sunflower seeds and/or nuts. Cover and let sit out for at least 24 hours. If it's cold in my kitchen, I usually put mine in the oven with the light on.

When the soaking time is up, mix the remaining ingredients with the oat mixture.  Spread evenly on dehydrator sheets or on two large cookie sheets  oiled with coconut oil. Bake either in the oven at the lowest temperature or in the dehydrator until it is dry and crispy. In my dehydrator it takes about 12 hours.  Check every so often, breaking apart large pieces as it cooks.


When it is crispy, and has cooled, break into smaller pieces and store. I keep mine in large mason jars and using those to refill a smaller, easier to handle container.

To serve, I have a little 'granola bar' with an assortment of chopped nuts, dried fruits, flaked coconut, grated chocolate and of course, yogurt or whole milk, so that my family can have whatever flavor combination sounds good to them at the time.