I am not a cereal fan at all
...but I love granola
and so does the rest of my family
...which makes store bought granola expensive
not to mention it's not that stellar!
That's why we make our own!
you'll need 3 cups of nuts and seeds
{I used 1 cup of each... almonds, walnuts & pumpkin seeds}
in separate bowls, cover them with water and soak overnight
use raw, organic, unseasoned whenever possible
8 cups of thick rolled organic oats
covered in water & 1 T. apple cider vinegar and soaked overnight
you'll also need 1 1/2-2 cups of pitted dates
{we love medjool dates, but any date, fig or raisin would work}
cover with 1 1/2 water and soak overnight
in the morning your oats will have absorbed most of the water and look puffy
...drain off the excess liquid and place in a large mixing bowl
your nuts will be plump and vibrant
...drain off excess liquid and chop if desired
I finely chopped the almonds and walnuts {don't over chop these or they will puree}
do not drain the liquid from your soaked dates
...add in 5 T. cinnamon
1 T. dried ginger
1/2 t. ground nutmeg
1/2 t. ground cardamom
1 T. vanilla extract
1/2 t. real salt
blend until it's a smooth paste
add all of your chopped nuts and date paste together
...and MIX
and when your arm is tired
pass the bowl and let someone else mix {grin}
when it's all mixed spread it out in a thin 1/4 in. thick layer
dehydrate at 115 or below for 10-24 hours depending on humidity in your climate
{you could also use your oven on it's lowest heat setting... above 118 the heat will break down the enzymes and it will no longer be a "living" food}
once it's dried...
remove it from the sheets and break it up into pieces
and store in a air tight container.
Now you can add in dried fruits like cranberries, goji berries, mango or cherries
{if possible try to use organic, unsulfured and unsweetened dried fruit}
This makes about a gallon ziplock bag full or approx 4-5 store bought boxes of granola
Enjoy!
