Store-bought granola is expensive and often much higher in calories and fat than it should be. Making your own healthy granola at home is so inexpensive and easy that you'll be kicking yourself for spending so much money on commercial granola in the past. Don't worry. It's never too late to make a change!

This is my favorite granola recipe, using sliced almonds and dried cherries. Feel free to substitute your favorite nuts and dried fruits to create your own perfect blend.

Cherry-Almond Granola
Yield: About 12 1/2-cup servings

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup raw pepitas
3/4 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup canola oil
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup hemp seeds
2 Tbsp ground flax seed

1. Preheat oven to 250°F.
2. Stir together oats, almonds, pepitas, coconut and brown sugar in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk agave, oil and salt. 
4. Fold agave mixture into the oat mixture with a spatula. Stir until the oats are evenly coated. 
5. Spread oat mixture onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 75 minutes, stirring with a wooden spatula every 15 minutes. 
7. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before stirring in dried cherries, hemp seeds and ground flax. 
8. Allow to cool completely before transferring an airtight container. Use within 10 days.

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