Homemade Granola
I am a total creature of habit, especially when it comes to food. When I find a good thing, I eat it over and over again. Most recent case and point, granola. I am obsessed with granola for breakfast. Topped with fresh summer fruit and yogurt, it is perfection. But do you know what is not perfection? The cost of granola at the grocery store. It is way more money than I am willing to spend, so I developed my own recipe and I can't get enough of it.
Let's break down this recipe
Oats are combined with chopped almonds and coconut flakes. This mixture is then tossed with a brown sugar and maple syrup mixture that has all sorts of yummy spices and flavorings. The granola is baked at a low temperature for about 45 minutes, allowed to cool, then broken into chunks.
Why this works
Granola is pretty simple and totally customizable. Consider this your base recipe.
Tips/Tricks/Shortcuts
Since this is a relatively easy recipe, consider making a double batch then storing in an airtight container or plastic bag. Also change the recipe however you want. If you don't like almonds swap in for another type of nut like hazelnuts. Consider adding dried fruit or maybe if you want to get crazy add in chocolate chips.
Enjoy!
Homemade Granola
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 Tbs. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups (10 ounces) raw almonds, chopped coarse
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
Pre-heat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl combine maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, salt and vegetable oil.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds and coconut flakes. Pour the maple syrup mixture over oat mixture and mix well to combine.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and using an offset spatula, press the mixture into the pan in 1 even layer.
Bake granola for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the granola is a light golden brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow granola to cook for 1 hour. Break up granola into bite sized pieces and either serve with yogurt and fresh fruit or store in an airtight container until ready to eat.