There is no better way to start your day than with a healthy bowl of homemade granola, yogurt and some fresh fruit.

This go-to recipe makes a large batch and is great to have on hand for a quick and healthy breakfast each and everyday without thinking!

I crafted this recipe with health in mind. I wanted to incorporate nuts, seeds, oats, dried fruit, maple syrup and coconut oil for a nice balance to kick-start the day! Each ingredient offers some type of good for the body!

The ultimate healthy breakfast goes like this:

A bowl of Greek or Plain Yogurt, 2-3 tbsp. of this delicious homemade granola, and then topped off with a swirl of honey and some fresh fruit! Yummy

Ingredients:

4 cups Oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup pecan pieces
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup Chia Seed
2 tbsp. Cinnamon (or as desired)
Zest of 1 Orange
Juice of 1/2 Orange
Pinch of salt
1 cup Dried Cherries or dried cranberries
1 cup Golden Raisins
1/2 cup Coconut Oil
3/4 cup Maple Syrup
1 tsp. Grand Marnier (Optional)
2 tsp. Pure Vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Use two large separate bowls:

Bowl #1: Mix the nuts, seeds, coconut, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Bowl #2 Mix the oats and chia and ground flax. sprinkle with cinnamon

In a small saucepan, melt coconut oil, maple syrup, juice of 1/2 orange, orange zest over low heat. Once the coconut oil has melted remove from heat immediately, add vanilla and Grand Marnier.

Split the liquid in half between the two bowls of oats and nuts and seeds.

Prepare two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

Pour the oat mixture onto one sheet and the nut and seed mixture onto another baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes and stir half way through the cooking time, 10-12 minutes. Granola should be a nice golden colour.

Let cool. Store in an airtight container. You can also freeze the granola and use as needed!

How to store your granola

I purchased an airtight container with a locking lid for maximum closure. I love to fill it up with granola and keep it right on my kitchen counter so that it is easy to see and grab every morning.

The great thing about this recipe is that it makes a huge batch and that I have it for a while! I always place the remainder of the granola in a zip loc bag and place it in the freezer. Every ingredient is able to freeze and lasts for a long time.