Homemade gluten-free granola is great because you can adjust it to your liking.

I find that store-bought granola is often very high in sugar so I use unsweetened applesauce as the sweetener.

Sometimes after it has cooled I will add some cacao nibs or even some dark chocolate chips.

Feel free to add what you like to it. My kids like nuts but not in their granola, so I usually add more seeds and even shredded unsweetened coconut.

Ingredients:

• • 32 oz bag of gluten-free oats
  • 2 cups of an assortment of nuts, seeds, etc., based on preference (use seeds instead of nuts if it has to be nut free)
  • 1 1/2 cups of assorted dried fruits (raisins, date pieces, goji berries)
  •  2 cups of unsweetened applesauce
  •  3/4 cups of melted coconut oil
  •  3 tsp of cinnamon
  •  1 tsp of sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Line two large baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper.

Combine all ingredients (except dried fruit) in a large bowl, stir until thoroughly combined.

Distribute evenly between the two baking sheets.

Bake for 60 minutes, gently stirring mixture a few times so it is even in crispness.

You can add cooking time if you want it extra crunchy or decrease cooking time if you want a softer texture.

Let cool and add dried fruit before storing in airtight containers.

Sandra Holbrook is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Mindful Meals, LLC. She resides with her husband and three children in Charlottesville, Virginia. Check out her food blog for super nutritious recipes, including desserts.