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Thanks to one of the cooking and baking geniuses, Kim Farris, my second mother; I have been blessed with the most amazing, healthy, salty and sweet, granola recipe. When I first started my ventures with baking and cooking, the fun for me came from experimentation. This specific recipe is perfect for that. Whether you love dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, nutella, peanut butter, almond butter, coconut, or all the above, you can personalize this anyway you'd like!

I first made this for myself, because I love mixing it in with my Fage yogurt for a morning breakfast, afternoon lunch, or pre-workout energy boost. But once my boyfriend got a hold of it, there was no turning back. I don't know how many times people would walk into my house and instantly smell the sweetness of honey... they knew it could be only one thing, granola.

Since I have been an experimented so many times with this recipe, it has changed and gotten away from its original measurments. That is the fun with cooking, you can always make it as healthy or indulging as you'd like. I will include the healthier, Karl's version, standard recipe, but feel free to add more or less of the ingredients I list, and include your favorites too!

1 1/2 C of Organic old fashion oats (I tend to use Quakers if I'm out of organic oats)

1/4 C pure olive oil (I like using olive oil because its monounsaturated, but other oils such as flaxseed, walnut, almond,or safflower work well too)

1 tbsp canola oil (good source of omega 3 fats)

1/4 C pure Honey or Agave

1/4 C walnuts halved

1/4 C pecans halved

1/4 C banana chips chopped

1/4C dried cranberry

1/8 C flaxseeds

1/8 C unsalted sunflower seeds

1 - 1 1/2tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl add all dry ingredients together. Then Add oil's and honey, and spices (if not already added), mixing well. Take a cookie sheet and cover with parchment paper. Then spread out oat mixture evenly. Once oven is heated, place cookie sheet inside and bake for 10 minuets. Stir mixture, mixing all oats, fruit, and nuts. Let bake for another 10-15 minuets, checking on mixture, and depending on heat. Careful of burning. Do this until oats are golden brown. Then take out of oven and let cool completely, about 20 minuets.

Top with fresh fruit, and yogurt, or with some soy/ almond milk. Yum!