We like to think of Make Your Own Granola as a guide for making a something that suites your tastes. People that shop for granola know there are dozens of brands and varieties. The quality comes with a cost. Cheap granola has tons of filler. Most varieties are also loaded with sugar. When you make your own granola at home you are able to control the sugar, salt, value content, flavor, and of course the price. The end reesult will be something healthier that you can be confident has only the ingredients you wanted in the mix.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Granola at Home
Chefs like to make their own. In fact it is a staple in many kitchens stored in a sealed glass jar at all times. It works great for breakfast of course, on its own or as a parfait with fresh fruits and yogurt. It also makes a dandy snack, and travels well. Stored in an airtight container it has a shelf life of several months. With Making Your Own Granola you can control the amount and type of nuts added, or dried fruits, coconut, or other ingredients. You can also control the amount and types of sweetener used. Since you are making it yourself you can season it however you wish.
Some Good Additions
Here are a few of the countless ingredients that work great with Making Your Own Granola: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, pecans, almonds, flax seeds, chia seeds, dried dessicated coconut, honey, molasses, maple syrup, palm sugar, agave, dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried apricots, and dried figs. It can be made with a combination of sweeteners, but sugars lower on the glycemic index such as agave are healthiest. Maple syrup is also good as it packs a distinctive sweetness for the amount needed to achieve a residual cooked flavor without adding too much. It also does not leave a distinctive taste behind after the cooking process.
How to Make Your Own Granola
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds rolled oats, raw thick variety if available
- 3 cups mixed raw nuts of choice, unsalted
- .5 cups maple syrup or use honey or half and half
- .5 cups canola oil can also use vegetable or peanut oil
- 2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Begin by portioning out the nuts and oats. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
- In the measuring cup combine the oil and maple syrup.
- In the large mixing bowl, mix the oats and nuts with the salt, then pour the oil-syrup mixture over and mix thoroughly. Pour out onto a silpat and spread thinly.
- Bake the mixture. Take out of the oven and stir every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking, especially on the edges. To test when the granola is ready, carefully take a spoonful and cool on the counter to taste. Be careful as the granola can be extremely hot. Remove when golden brown. Do not overcook as the taste can get acrid.
