This recipe is so great because you can really play with all kinds of tastes and textures! This is the original recipe, but for the granola in the picture, I added........................1/2c. coconut, 1/2c. pecans in replace of the almonds, I also swapped 1/4c. walnuts, 1/4c. macadamia nuts for the pumpkin seeds , and 1/2t. of coconut extract, in replace of the vanilla. For the fruit I mixed in 1/2c. cranberries, 1/4c. raisins, and 1/4c. dates. But don't feel that you have to do what I did..................use whatever you've got on hand, well almost everything(I wouldn't suggest anchovies!)
Chef Hannah
This granola contains a mixture of old fashioned rolled oats, whole almonds, wheat germ, and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame) that are all coated in a sweet mixture of honey, brown sugar, oil, ground cinnamon, and vanilla. Once the granola is spread on a large baking sheet, it is baked in a moderate oven until golden brown. And be sure to watch it carefully towards the end of baking, as it burns quite easily.
You can eat granola as you would any other cereal; with milk. Or you can add some dried fruit and eat it as a healthy snack. I like to make a double batch as it will keep for several months if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and place rack in the center of the oven. Either butter or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl combine the rolled oats, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, ground cinnamon, and salt. In another bowl mix the brown sugar, honey and oil together. Add to oat mixture and thoroughly coat. Spread out onto cookie sheet and bake about 20-40min. More or less depending on the crunchiness or softness of your desired taste. Make sure to break up any large clumps of granola while the mixture is still warm. ( Or if your like me you enjoy the clumps, if you do leave this step out!) Once the granola cooled almost completely, store in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator. ( If you want crunchy granola, cool completely before storing it!) It will keep for several weeks.
Serve with dried or fresh fruit ( strawberries, blueberries)and milk.
Makes about 5 cups.
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Granola Recipe:
3 cups (300 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup (75 grams) whole raw almonds or pecans
1/2 cup (45 grams) raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (45 grams) raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup (30 grams) sesame seeds
1/2 tablespoon (5 grams) wheat germ (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (60 ml) water
1/4 cup (60 ml) canola oil
1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
2 tablespoons (25 grams) light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots, dates, figs, and/or raisins) (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (60 ml) water
1/4 cup (60 ml) canola oil
1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
2 tablespoons (25 grams) light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, apricots, dates, figs, and/or raisins) (optional)
