Vanilla Coconut Goji Berry Granola

Goji berry granola with vanilla and coconut is perfect for breakfast.

I’m a fan of granola. Most store-bought granola, however, is too sweet. Or too expensive. Sometimes it tastes fine but is lacking the ingredients that make it special. If you’ve ever had a bag of chocolate chip granola with like four chocolate chips, you know what I mean.

So I often make my own. I almost always have oats in my pantry, and can usually round up some odds and ends to add to it. This time, it was some goji berries. It seems like these dried berries were all the rage a few years ago but then kind of faded out to make way for the next superfood. Doesn’t matter though because I still like them. And they’re perfect in a month when there’s nothing around you but cookies and cocktails and other unhealthy snacks.

This goji berry granola is a favorite of mine. I make it on the stovetop, and add coconut, almonds, and vanilla. It’s sweetened with maple syrup, but you could use honey if you like. You can adjust the sweetener to your preferences. Even if you leave it as is, it’s way less sweet than any kind of granola you’ll buy. Which is how I like it. When I eat granola, I’m really just looking for the crunch factor. Use it on yogurt of course, but also in a salad (for real!) or just eat a handful as a snack. It’s addictive and crunchy, and once you start eating it, you’ll be surprised at how quickly it’s gone.

Store in an airtight container or put it in a fancy jar and give it to your favorite health nut friend as a gift. It’s unconventional, sure, but there are people out there that would appreciate it, I’m sure. I know I would.