Why buy it when you can bake it?
Every time I visit my parents, I look forward to a fresh batch of my mom’s homemade granola ready and waiting. I’m a light breakfast eater, so rather than a full bowl of it, I prefer to sprinkle it on top of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to add a little crunch. This granola is lightly toasted, not overly sweet, and I especially love how you can taste the individual nutty ingredients. I’ve never had a store-bought granola as yummy as this!
Two tips for success:
When it comes out of the oven, it won’t seem particularly crunchy. But as it cools, it will start to clump and get perfectly crunchy.
If you like large clumps, you can form them with your hands before you bake. (I typically like flakier granola myself.)
Note: it’s a bit of a sticker shock the first time you buy all the ingredients. But rest assured you will be able to make several batches that will save you money in the long run. Plus, you get to put whatever fave ingredients you want in it!
NANA’S HOMEMADE GRANOLA
Makes about 5 cups
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup shredded or flaked sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup natural cashews
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup light molasses
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cherries, or dates)
RECIPE PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 300 F. Place oats on a large rimmed baking sheet sprayed with nonstick vegetable oil. Bake until oats are lightly toasted, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Transfer baked oats to a large bowl.
Increase oven temperature to 350 F. Cover with foil and spray the same rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Mix shredded coconut and all nuts into the baked oats. In a separate bowl, mix together maple syrup, coconut oil, and light molasses in a small bowl, heat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, then whisk to blend. Pour over oat mixture; toss to coat evenly.
Spread granola on a prepared rimmed baking sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown.
After cooling granola on the sheet for a few minutes, mix in dried fruit.
Enjoy!
Photos by Erika Brechtel
