Granola
Oh, granola. There are countless ways to mix oats and nuts to get yummy granola, yet I have not found one at the store that my whole family likes.
There is a difference between “my favorite chocolate chip cookie” and this is “A chocolate chip cookie”. I know what I’m getting myself into by eating “a cookie” that’s not my favorite, but I’m likely to enjoy it anyway.
One of the foods that is different for me is granola. It’s a love or won’t touch it thing for me. Like cilantro, you love it or hate it, there is no middle ground. (Which, I love cilantro. Just wanted to clear that up.)
So I made my own which my family all agreed on. Bonus, it’s good for them!
Granola
Ingredients:
3 c old-fashioned rolled oats
1 ½-2c nuts, chopped (raw or roasted, see notes)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup coconut oil, melted
½ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
How to Make Granola:
1. Line pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 325.
2. Put oats and nuts in a large bowl. Add in the cinnamon and salt and stir well so the spices coat everything.
3. In a small bowl mix together liquids.
4. Pour over the oat mixture and use a spatula to mix.
5. Pour out on the pan and use a spatula to flatten it out so you have an even layer.
6. Bake for 20-24 minutes stirring once halfway through.
NOTES:
Use parchment only to line the pan, foil will make it cook faster and not as even.
A note on nuts: raw or roasted will work for this recipe. I wouldn’t use anything more than lightly salted will change the final flavor too much.
Must mix dry ingredients first! I noticed a big difference in mixing the oats, nuts, cinnamon, and salt before adding liquids, which makes for a more consistent flavor.
Instead of chopping the nuts, put them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer (aka, meat hammer) to crush them to the size you want.
Add ins! You really can put anything you want in your granola; berries, raisins, chocolate chips (we prefer the mini), coconut… just add them once the granola has cooled. My family adds their own thing as they serve their yogurt.
