My Favorite Granola

Spending long and hectic days at the bakery often means that I don't provide myself with anything fresh or sufficient to eat. I walk to the car in mid-afternoon, legs aching from the day, and I smile, thinking of the possibility of a few minutes of peace when I get home over some mind-numbing television and my usual bowl fruit and yogurt topped with my absolutely delicious, homemade granola.

This granola is packed with plenty of flavor, crunch, and the added health benefits from flaxseed and a bit of coconut oil. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)

Granola

2 tablespoons Earth Balance coconut spread (or butter or your favorite alternative)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup light agave nectar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flaxseed meal

1/4 sweetened flake coconut

1/2 cup chopped pecans

3 cups GF rolled oats

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Melt coconut spread in a large bowl. Add vanilla, agave, and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well, making sure all of the oats are covered in the sugary-mixture.

Spread granola in an even layer onto a standard baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir. Bake 10 minutes more. Allow to cool before removing from baking sheet.

You can eat this granola on it's own, topped with milk as cereal, or, like I do, in a wonderful parfait. My personal favorite: blueberry goat's milk yogurt, bananas, berries, a drizzle of agave, and, of course, this crunchy granola.