Homemade Granola + Yogurt
Hello, blog world! 
Let me start off by telling you that I really loved this morning’s breakfast: my very own homemade granola + Greek yogurt + banana slices! Delish! 
The homemade granola totally made the meal! I’m glad that I added so many almonds and raisins to it! 
With breakfast, I drank some iced coffee with vanilla soy milk and agave nectar.
Last night, I made a batch of homemade granola, which was so, so, so easy to make– and probably a whole lot cheaper and healthier than buying it at the grocery store.
Here’s the how-to:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350*F.
2. Combine the following ingredients (except for the raisins) in a small bowl:
- 1 cup dry oats
- 1/2 cup almonds (or your favorite nut)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin (or sesame) seeds
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
- 3 tbsp agave nectar
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- Shake of cinnamon
3. Stir well until agave nectar and canola oil are fully mixed in. It’ll start to get a little clumpy.
4. Spray baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Spread granola on pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, stir occasionally while cooking.
6. Remove granola from oven and mix in raisins.
7. Allow to cool before serving.
8. Store in air-tight container.
Feel Great Weight
In honor of my recent and very indulgent trip to San Francisco, I wrote about carbs this week: No Carb Left Behind!
CNC FAQs
I finally organized my FAQ page! I added some new frequently asked questions, but please let me know if I am missing any.
Question of the Day
What food(s) do you make at home instead of purchasing at the grocery store?
Posted by: Tina 82 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized, how to, recipe
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Homemade granola is the best kind fo granola.
I pretty much make mostly everything at home, except for the basics. We love to make our own protein bars.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:01 am
i totally agree that homemade granola is MUCH better… i love adding extra nut & controlling the amount of sugar.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:02 am
For some reason the calorie density of granola has always scared me. I know I should probably get past this and look at its nutritional value, but I have a hard time doing so. Is that a concern at all for you?
I tried to make my own bread instead of buying at the store but my roommate and boyfriend ended up eating it all in a day so that really didn’t work out
Maybe I’ll try again when they’re not around 
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:02 am
I love homemade granola. It is the best! We make ours too. We also make our bread, pasta, and yogurt at home. Homemade yogurt is the best. You should try it!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:03 am
i try to make as much as possible at home, not only to save money, but also to cut down on packaging, energy use for procesing/transportation of stuff, and to lessen the amount of preservatives in what i eat etc. i make almost all the granola i eat, all jams and preserves, snacks (cookies, bars, etc), etc. i’m working on increasing my home bread production (usually a little easier for me in the winter. i tend to buy bread in the summer, though i don’t eat that much). i also am trying to dehydrate all my own fruits for use in granola and snacks.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I love making homemade granola! it’s so easy.
I also like making homemade desserts: muffins, brownies, cookies, etc instead of store bought. And bread/rolls when I can!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I usually make my own biscotti (although TJs has provided my biscotti fix from time to time). Desserts for holidays are ALWAYS homemade. I think your granola may have to be in my Christmas gifts this year – that sounds great!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Ohh that granola looks so good. I was just finishing up my breakfast of granola (from Mix my granola) and greek yogurt as I began to read your post. I’m def going to try to make my own granola.. must be soo much cheaper and I have a lot of ingredients on hand.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:07 am
I love making granola at home…then I can add in whatever I want…and TRY to make it a bit healthier – great recipe! Also love your no carbs left behind article…so important that carbs don’t get a bad rap!!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am
I’ve started making bread at home!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Oh yum, that granola looks really good.I must try making it at home instead of buying because I didn’t really like the granola I bought some weeks ago!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:08 am
I make granola at home too, but my favorite things that I’ve started to make at home instead of buying in the store are almond milk and vegetable stock. Oh my goodness – they are so much more flavorful than any I’ve found in a store!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I’ll have to try making my own granola one of these days. Looks delish!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:09 am
I don’t make much of my own things, but I do buy bulk veggies and chop them instead of buying baby carrots, chopped celery, etc…it saves money!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:09 am
making granola is one of my new fav. things to do
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I try to make as much stuff at home as I can, but I haven’t done granola yet. I need to get some agave!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I LOVE making homemade granola. Alton Brown has a recipe for it on the Food Network’s website that is awesome!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I never usually buy granola because its so expensive so thanks for the recipe I will def. have to try it!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:14 am
I made granola this weekend, and added some quinoa and barley in with the oats. It came out extra crunchy and delicious!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Your granola looks delicious! We always make gnocchi because it is cheap and easy to make at home
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I make my own hummus. I like controlling the flavors that I put into it. I havne’t tried granola yet. Sounds good though.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Yum! I love making my own granola because I know *exactly* what’s in it and can tailor it to my likes. Yours looks yummy, too.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:20 am
That granola looks awesome! I usually make my own muffins, cookies, hummus, and baked tofu rather than buying them at the store. It saves money and gives you control of what goes in it!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:23 am
That granola looks soo good!!! Regarding your question I make my own meals?! heh joking I make my own baked goods and salads.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Wow, I am actually surprised that making granola is so simple! It looks so yummy that I thought it would be a more difficult process.
Hmm, foods I make home? Usually pasta sauce or pancakes.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Store bought granola really is way too expensive. Making it at home is better also because you can control what goes in it. Your combo sounds great!
When I have the time I try and make homemade bread. I have a whole wheat recipe that makes three loaves so I keep two in the freezer. So much better than store bought. I also can’t remember the last time I bought jarred pasta sauce.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Oooo the homemade granola looks great! I have a bunch of granola recipes that I’ve been meaning to adapt.
I like to make my own Larabars, marinara sauce, waffles, muffins, and almost all sweet treats.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Pancakes are better from scratch.
I always think of granola as too calorie dense to eat. Far too many for me
The homemade version always looks so delicious though.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Thanks for sharing your No Carb Left Behind story with us!
I make a lot of stuff at home, but there is one thing that has been nagging me for a long time: BREAD (speaking of carbs). PB eats SO much of it and I am constantly buying more bread. I need to learn to make it ASAP!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Mmmm love homemade granola. i enjoyed reading our faq section. but i still want to know more about how you transitioned from being an extracuricular blogger who writes about eating and enjoying food with a healthy balance into being a guest blogger on so many sites and now a future book author! i feel like your story would be very inspiring!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Things that I like to make at home are usually condiments (sauces, etc.), soups, and sweet treats. But as of late I haven’t had ANY time to cook, so I’ve been trying to buy healthy alternatives at the grocery store.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Delicious! Thanks for the recipe! I used to make homemade granola all the time, adding lots of pumpkin pie spices. It’s even great to throw in some dark chocolate chips when it’s cooled
I’ve tried my hand at homemade sushi rolls before, instead of buying them at the store. My first try didn’t work out so well, but I’m anxious to try again. I found out that the key is STICKY rice!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:44 am
I try to make my own dressing, it tastes so much better!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:47 am
great granola recipe! i’ll have to try that…
i make my own oatmeal, of course, but that’s a given. those little isntant packets are such a joke.
i like to make my own soups rather than buying canned.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I’m not much of a cook these days (but I’m working on it!), but there’s nothing like fresh homemade baked goods! The stuff from the store doesn’t cut it.
Oh, and from your FAQ page I saw those old pictures of you and Mal from high school — SO adorable!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I make most of my foods at home. I’ve discovered that I can eat anything I want at home, without feeling guilty, because I know exactly what I put in them.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Pesto – I have basil in my garden so I make lots of pesto. I even freeze extra so we can enjoy it in the winter.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:01 am
@Karla:I’m conscious of calories, but no food really scares me.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:07 am
That looks very similar to my granola recipe. I haven’t posted it on my site yet, but I will at some point.
For your question… When I go to the grocery, I pretty much try to stick to only the perimeter of the store. So, I will buy fresh produce, meats, and dairy. I try to avoid most things in the center isles, because they are all processed foods that I can generally make myself in a much healthier and cheaper fashion. Just like your homemade granola!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:08 am
i’ve seen so many people make homemade granola and i totally think thats a great idea!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I make homemade granola too. It’s so yummy! I would love to make my own bread one day but I don’t have the time now. Wish I did!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I make my own ice cream!
I love ice cream and eat it all the time, but I was sick of trying to find all-natural versions at the store that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. So, I purchased an ice cream machine (the brand is Cuisinart, and I love it) and I’ve been whipping up my own batches ever since. It’s so easy.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Yum. Do you have nutritional facts?
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I’ve made my own granola too and I love it! It’s so much fun to play with flavors when it’s your own
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I once made them simply with oats, raisins and brown sugar,they taste so crunchy!
Like your version too, so much stuff in it and not as sweet as of commercial boxes.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:57 am
@Rose: No, sorry.
If anyone figures it out, please let us know!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I love making homemade granola! It definitely is better! Try it with molasses next time:)
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I tend to make my own cookies instead of buying the processed kind. I also am a big fan of making my own pesto. The jar just can’t beat my own!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
ive tried to make hummus a bunch of times but it never tastes as good as sabra. so now i buy it in a big tub from costco… so much cheaper!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I make sodium-free soy sauce, sodium-free worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning mix, dry onion soup mix, sweetened condensed milk, polishing cleanser for the sink (that’s great), creamed soup substitute…
I once made homemade fabric softener, homemade vegetable wash.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Making homemade granola is definitely on my to-do list (it’s been there for a few months!) I like to make my own hummus, but I have yet to perfect it.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
I always make my own granola! It tastes better, and I know every single ingredient that goes into it! I am very into eating all natural foods, and a lot of the granola out there has lots of fillers. I make mine similar to yours, Tina, except that instead of Canola Oil, I use coconut oil. It has a similar amount of fat, but coconut oil has some healthier properties. Give it a try!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I make a lot of vegan muffins. They are inexpensive, animal-friendly, convenient and cute! They work well for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Mixing up the fruit and nuts and spices also allows for endless options.
Thanks for the granoloa recipe, that seems too easy!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Just another thing I need to add to the list of make -it on my own!
I really want to make chocolate/cacao granola. Mmm… going to look into that forsure.
I wish I made more at home! I used to make my own greek yogurt
Um.. hmm, I make my own muffins and scones.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Yummmmmmy! I am assuming these are quick oats that you used?
I am so happy I have all of these ingredients at home, except I will sub canola oil for coconut oil I think
great post doll!
XXOO
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
@Kris | iheartwellness.com: I used Old Fashioned Oats.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I make my own chicken pot pie. I like it so much better than the frozen store-bought kind. Also, being Italian, I was raised to always make my own sauce. It’s easy to freeze and keep on hand.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I like making my own fruit yogurt. I don’t like the fake feeling of fruited yogurt so I use greek yogurt and add whatever fruit I want.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Tina! Thanks very much for linking to the NuVal giveaway yesterday – I won! It was such a pleasant surprise and I love their new blog. Thanks again!
This granola looks DELICIOUS – what a novel concept! I love baking but never thought to make my own granola. I will be trying this out soon!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
I make killer spicy hummus! I make a double batch once a week at least. The BF and I love it!!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I make my own homemade spaghetti sauce. I eat gluten-free and this allows me to be able to not only make according to what my body needs but I can also lower the sugar and sodium contents by making it myself. I also love chunky sauce and I can go crazy with the vegetable add-ins!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I love the idea of homemade granola. I’ll have to try that.
I sometimes make my own hummus, but I’m a little ashamed to admit that I’m still very much a convenience foods kind of girl. Maybe if I spent a little more time in the kitchen making real food,I’d be able to drop that last 17 pounds!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
I make a ton of stuff at home (which cost a ton at the store):
Tortilla chips, soy chips, pumpkin granola, and every whole grain bread under the sun…
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
hummus, salsa and guacamole — tastes way better my way!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
I make granola often, but sometimes when I’m lazy I pick some up at the farmers market
But I do always make my own popcorn!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I was justtt searching for homemade granola recipes yesterday! It’s the first thing I want to make once my kitchen is done–bc I spend so much $$ on it and have a feeling the homemade stuff is where it’s at
Thanks for this!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
the addition of the shredded coconut sounds amazing!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
i recently made a huge batch of granola to give to some friends and kept some for myself – i was amazed at how long it lasted! i used coconut oil in it, and it adds to the crazy coconut flavor.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Home made granola is bomb! Alton Brown has a great recipe for homemade granola bars. So yummy. It’s on food network.com.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Love your at home granola – I LOVE anything with coconut in it!
I usually make my own greek yogurt at home; by straining nonfat plain regular yogurt Its WAY cheaper – and it even richer when you strain it yourself.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
That granola looks so great! I love making soups and baked good at home! I really want to get in the habit of making my own breads! Maybe I will register for a bread machine
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
That looks great – definitely going on my list right away. I make my own hummus (though not recently,) no soup from a can for me. My parents have a yogurt maker they use all the time – I’m thinking of getting one – I spend a lot of money on yogurt – might be worth it…
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
I make my own salsa…and by that, I mean I tell my boyfriend to make it because he is now pretty much famous for his salsa recipe! It’s so good, so much fresher and cheaper (and HOTTER) than anything we get at the store. I used to make my own soups too but I’m waiting to get more soup-friendly veggies in my CSA to start making them again this year.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Thanks for the granola recipe ! I have been meaning to try making my own for a long time now. It looks so good !
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I make my own dipping sauces for meat fondue nights. Nom.
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
I make my own pasta sauce. I guess I am a little spoiled because I am Italian and have never had sauce from a jar. It’s so easy to make it homemade and healthier too!
on Nov 18th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
There seem to be more and more items that I now make at home. I make a batch of soup every Sunday and take for lunch and freeze some. I bake my own bread. All my sweet treats are home made as well. I have even been making my own pumpkin puree instead of buying the canned. I figure since I have the time, why not?
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:00 am
Going to go make some granola… Thanks =)
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:07 am
I make bread at home instead of buying it. Store bought gluten free bread is just plain NASTY!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 12:29 am
It’s kind of amazing that as often as I eat granola, I’ve never made it myself! I’ll have to change that soon.
I always make my own hummus!
on Nov 19th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I make granola, soy/almond milks, bread, pizza crust, pasta sauce, powdered vegetable broth base, hummus, whatever. We buy very few prepared/processed foods. Cheaper and healthier!
on Feb 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Our homemade granola recipes are very very similar – sooo yummy! I have a big, fresh bag of it in my cupboard right now =]