Making Granola

It's amazing how many convenience food items are really quite simple to make from scratch at home. Some of them can be labourious, like making a huge batch of refried beans, but not difficult, and some of them are easy-peasy with help of a small appliance, like homemade bread with a bread machine. In general the homemade items are cheaper and healthier than the store bought alternatives. I do buy convenience items when I don't have the time or energy to make it from scratch - that's what they're there for! But I like to challenge myself to not depend on them too much.

What kind of things do you make from scratch?

Lately I've stopped buying granola and making it at home. It's so much tastier and really easy. Here is one of my favorite recipes from Gordon Ramsay's Healthy Appetite:

Granola
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl mix:
2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats!)
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 tsp. ground ginger
pinch of salt

In a small microwave proof bowl add:
3 1/2 Tbsp. butter
5-6 Tbsp. honey
Zest of one orange

Melt butter mixture in microwave and mix together. Pour over dry ingredients. Spread mixture over a large baking pan and place in oven for 15-20 minutes. Stir mixture every 5 minutes for even baking. Take out of oven and let cool completely. Add 1/2 cup cranberries. Store in airtight container.