Homemade Granola

Granola can be a pretty boring breakfast option. It often is dry and practically void of flavor. In addition to that, most store-bought versions are loaded with fat, sugar and preservatives (you thought you were being healthy, didn’t you!?). However, Homemade granola is easy to create in your own kitchen. In addition to ease of preparation, it is easily portioned and can keep for up to a month in a tightly closed container. The addition of dried exotic fruits, sweet coconut and maybe the occasional dark chocolate chip adds flavor and texture to a basic, tasteless granola. Adding Tahitian vanilla beans amps up the flavor even more; the sweet, fruity and floral notes of the beans mix with the dried fruits and coconut to create an exciting granola you will jump out of bed for. Plus, it looks beautiful in the bowl!

Dust off that baking sheet, locate some parchment or a silpat, choose your favorite dried fruits (you could even go as far as selecting, cracking, scooping and drying your own coconut if you’re really serious about your granola, but I think I’ll stick to the store bought kind…), and create your own signature granola full of flavor and texture. Your taste buds and your waistline will thank you!

Tahitian (Tahiti) Vanilla Beans

Ground Vanilla Beans, Tahitian