Discovering the article “A bakery listed ‘love’ in the ingredients. The food cops had something to say about it” made me laugh and smile. During the holidays, my plan was to make beautiful containers of granola with a tag that read “Fueled with Love” and copies of the article. The message I wanted to convey to those in my circle was simple “Slow down and remember self-care”. Real life confession: I couldn’t find the article and gave up on the idea during the holidays. Albeit, rediscovering the article I set out to make homemade granola as a just because gift, because honestly do any of us receive enough just because gifts? I also found myself agreeing with Tate, it’s kind of nice that this artisan bakery can say there’s love in their granola and it puts a smile on peoples’ faces. Situations like that where the government is telling us you can’t list ‘love’ as an ingredient, because it might be deceptive, just feels so silly.

Simple Granola

• 1/2 cup canola oil or other neutral oil, such as coconut or olive oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions : Heat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.  Place the oil, honey, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the oats and almonds and stir to coat. Stir to coat well.  Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. If the granola is clumpy, use a spatula to press it into the pan.
Bake, stirring halfway through, for about 20 minutes total. The granola is ready when golden-brown and the almonds have toasted — it will still feel wet coming out of the oven but will dry as it cools.  Place the baking sheet on a wire rack and sprinkle on the raisins and chocolate chips. If you want clumps of granola, press and tamp down the granola before it cools, which will help it stick together. Cool completely before storing.