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Granola


I am not really a tree hugger making my own granola, BUT I did buy some the other day and looked at the label, and thought why are all these ingredients in something that is supposed to be au naturale? Well, I took care of that didn't I? I browsed the pantry and found a container of Organic rolled oats which I don't know why I even had because I am not one to stand over a pot of old fashioned oats for a half hour in the morning but I am glad I had them. Then, I grabbed the different nuts, at which point I wished I had some sort of sunflower or sesame seeds because that would be a great addition but I got over it. I also added the chocolate because as much as I would like to pretend that I can consume plain granola over plain yogurt and be satisfied ,I really can't, so with some dark chocolate I can now be happy. The great thing about making your own granola is you can add whatever you like!! If I had more ingredients in my pantry I would surely add pineapple, sunflower seeds and un sweetened coconut, but let me not wish for ingredients I do not have, but be thankful for the ones I do (it is a freaking recession ya know) and so here is a basic but yummy granola. I brought it into work today and Tracie approved it along with the men in my family. Enjoy!!

Ingredients:
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable or Canola oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole almonds
1/3 cup whole cashews & peanuts
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, toss the oats with the cinnamon and salt.

In a medium bowl, stir together the oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until completely combined.

Pour the honey mixture over the oats mixture and use your hands to combine them: Gather up some of the mixture in each hand and make a fist. Repeat until all of the oats are coated with the honey mixture.

Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, but leave a few clumps here and there for texture.


Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a metal spatula to lift and flip the granola. Sprinkle the almonds over the granola and return the baking sheet to the oven..

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Let cool completely. Sprinkle the raisins, chocolate or whatever dried fruit you have over the granola

and transfer it to an airtight container. Voila you are now a hippie.

Comments

  1. Jaime and Jen DISHApril 13, 2009 at 3:49 AM

    This sounds delicious. I have always wanted to make my own granola and everytime I am at the store I forget what goes in it. I'm going to print this out now and try it out. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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