Granola serves as a pantry staple for many a household. But added sugars and unknown ingredients can make a seemingly harmless snack a nutritional pitfall. This recipe allows for healthful modifications to suit your unique tastes. Experiment with different natural sweeteners, add-ins, and dried fruits for delicious and original combinations!

Coconut Oil Granola
Yields: About 9 cups

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ½ cups raw pistachios (or use salted and skip the added salt later)
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup coconut chips
½ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup extra virgin coconut oil (measure when melted)
¼ cup molasses
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ heaping teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cloves
¾ cup chopped dried apricots/fruit (raisins, craisins, etc.)

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. In a large bowl, combine everything except the dried fruit
3. Spread your mix evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake 40 min, stirring every 10 min. until golden and toasty
4. Transfer to large bowl and toss in dried fruits

Serve with yogurt, ricotta, milk, or enjoy by the handful!

Adapted from: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/dining/151arex.html

Photo Credit: mynewroots.blogspot.com