Homamade Granola (SUGAR FREE!)

Some people like their granola extra, extra, extra sweet. I am not one of those people. I much prefer adding some fresh fruit to a not-so-sweet granola...for a perfectly healthy and balanced (and filling) breakfast! Or afternoon snack. Gage devoured his bowl of granola with strawberries. Even asked for a second bowl. And asked for it again the next afternoon...before we got back into the house from the bus stop!

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  cups quick-cooking oats
• 3  cups  traditional oats
• 1  tablespoon cinnamon
• 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
• 1  cup applesauce
• 2  tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the 2 kinds of oats with the cinnamon. Stir in the maple syrup, applesauce and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Spread the granola onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven. Check the granola after 20 minutes and turn around the edges if they become too dark. (They shouldn't when cooking on the parchment or silicone mat.).
4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container, or in a plastic freezer baggie in the freezer.
5. Enjoy Homemade Granola with milk and fresh fruit, yogurt and berries, or mixed into a pantry trail mix.