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Granola

American Side Dish Healthy Breakfast Snack
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Posted on: 2024-02-13
Updated on: 2024-02-17 14:47:20 by Mike

Mike
Image Of Granola Ready To Eat.

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Description

I've got to confess something - growing up, Granola never made it to my breakfast table. It was all about the colorful, sugary cereals like Fruit Loops and Cookie Crisps. And even when I ventured into the adult world of buying my own Granola, it seemed like every bag had something I just couldn't vibe with - whether it was coconut, oversized nuts, or those bits of dried fruit that just didn't do it for me. So, for the longest time, I labeled myself as "not a Granola guy."

But here's the thing, I've always known fiber is crucial for our health, and oats are a fantastic source of it. They're not just about keeping your digestion in check; they pack a bunch of health benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol levels and keeping your heart healthy. So, I started thinking, if Granola is such a great way to get that fiber in, why not make it exactly how I like it? Forget those store-bought options that never hit the spot.

So, I got to work in my kitchen, playing around with ingredients until I found the perfect combination. I wanted my Granola to be exciting, with flavors that layer and mingle in the most delightful way. My version is anything but ordinary. It's versatile, too. Sure, you can eat it straight out of the bag, but where's the fun in that? I love loading up a bowl with fresh fruit, a dollop of vanilla yogurt, and a generous sprinkle of this Granola on top for a snack that's just chef's kiss. And for breakfast? Drench it in a big bowl of milk, and let those flavors take you on a journey.

Now, minus the brown sugar let's talk about the sweeteners - maple syrup, honey, and peanut butter. This is where you don't skimp, folks. Go for the highest quality you can find, with no added sugars. Trust me, it makes all the difference. These ingredients are the secret to that rich, indulgent taste without tipping the scales on the sugar content.

If the cinnamon, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla don’t stir you up enough, well, then, the flavor of the nuts will. Then there's knowing you are eating well. It feels so nourishing when you are eating some.

To wrap this up, making your own Granola is a game-changer. It's not just about enjoying a healthier, fiber-rich breakfast; it's about creating something that's uniquely yours. A blend that speaks to your taste buds and nourishes your body. So, grab those oats, pick your favorite mix-ins, and start experimenting. Who knows? You might just become a "Granola person" like me.

Keep cooking with heart, everyone. Until next time!

Granola Ingredients

Step-By-Step Instructions

Image of Granola ready to use/eat. Granola

Prep Time: 25 minutes.

Cook Time: 45 minutes.

Total Time: 70 minutes.

Yield: 28 Servings

Nutrition Information: 205 Calories per ½ cup

Ingredients:
  • 4 Cups Rolled Oats Heaping
  • 1 Cup Sunflower Seeds Roasted
  • 1 Cup Almonds
  • 1 Cup Walnuts
  • 1 Cup Peanut Butter
  • 1 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
  • 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips
  • 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Honey
  • 2 TBSP Vanilla
  • 1 TBSP Cinnamon
Instructions:
  • Step 1 - Gather Your Ingredients. #1 - 1 Cup Roasted Sunflower Seeds, #2 - 1 Cup Almonds, #3 - 1 Cup Walnuts, #4 - 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup, #5 - 1 Cup Brown Sugar, #6 - 4 Cups Oats Heaping, #7 - 1/2 Cup Honey, #8 - 1 Cup Peanut Butter, #9 - 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter Powder, #10 - 1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips, #11 - 2 TBSP Vanilla, #12 - 1 TBSP Cinnamon.
  • Step 2 - Mix Wet Ingredients. Pour the maple syrup, honey, peanut butter, and vanilla into a dish that can go into the microwave. Heat on high for 4 minutes.
  • Step 3 - Gather Your Nuts. Get the almonds, sunflower seeds, and almonds ready for grinding. You can substitute different nuts that you may have on hand. I do say that sunflower seeds and almonds are really good, so I don’t like leaving them out.
  • Step 4 - Grind Your Nuts. Pulse the nuts in a food processor until fluffy, but not dust. After 4-5 pulses works for me. I do it in batches, and don’t overfill. The nuts expand when pulsed. Take your time. Be safe.
  • Step 5 - Mix Dry Ingredients. Now the nuts are ground up, pour all the dry ingredients; oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, dried peanut butter powder and the nuts into a large mixing bowl. I like to get my hands in there and mix it up. I can feel if there are clumps better this way. Put on a glove if that makes you feel more comfortable. I definitely recommend a glove for the next step.
  • Step 6 - Mix Wet And Dry Ingredients Together. Pour the semi-cooled wet mixture over the top of the well-mixed dry mixture in the mixing bowl. Be careful. The wet mixture can be hot. At first, I use a spoon to mix and disperse the wet ingredients. As it’s being dispersed, the dry ingredients clump and this is what you are looking for. After a minute, then get a glove on and get in there. I squeeze with my hand and I’m trying to mix the ingredients and clump them along the way to test the mix. You are looking for good clumping. Mix for a few minutes until everything is incorporated well. Enjoy this step - it's fun.
  • Step 7 - Fold In Chocolate Chips. With the mixture together in front of you, pour in the chocolate chips and fold them in gently.
  • Step 8 - Pour Onto Sheet Pan. I line my sheet pan with a silpat, but you could use parchment paper if you don’t have a silpat. Once the sheet pan is lined, pour the mixture and spread it evenly.
  • Step 9 - Bake. Keep an eye on the Granola when baking. If it gets burned, just in the slightest, then it’s going to go into the trash once you taste it, so I’m firm on cooking at 325. Bake for 15 minutes. Pull out the hot sheet pan and mix ingredients while being careful not to burn yourself. I use a spatula to get under the mixture and move the uncooked to the top and the cooked (browned) to the bottom. It’s important to get the corners mixed well. Put it back into the over for another 15 minutes. Repeat this once. Total cooking time 45 minutes.
  • Step 10 - Cool. Let it cool on the silpat and come back after 30 minutes of cooling. The final product should be clumped on the bottom where it touched the silpat. Now it's time to store in your container. I use a cereal container.
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Granola Drink Pairings

Alcoholic
  • Nutty Liqueurs

    A liqueur with nutty profiles, such as Amaretto or Frangelico, can enhance the flavors of almonds and walnuts in your granola.

  • Bourbon or Whiskey

    The caramel, vanilla, and spicy notes in bourbon or whiskey can complement the cinnamon, vanilla, and the rich, sweet blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and honey in your granola.

  • Stout or Porter Beer

    These dark beers often have chocolate, coffee, and nutty notes that would pair well with the chocolate chips and the overall richness of your granola.

  • Spiced Rum

    The warm spices and sweetness of spiced rum can echo the cinnamon and sweetness in the granola, making for a cozy pairing.

  • Dessert Wines

    A Sauternes or a late harvest Riesling, which have rich, honeyed flavors, can complement the sweet and nutty elements of your granola without overpowering it.

Non-Alcoholic
  • Milk (Dairy or Plant-Based)

    A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk complements the crunchy texture and nuttiness of the granola. Almond milk or oat milk could echo the nutty flavors in your mix.

  • Chai Tea

    The spices in chai tea, like cinnamon and vanilla, will resonate with the cinnamon and vanilla in your granola, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

  • Hot Cocoa

    Especially in colder months, hot cocoa can pair beautifully with the chocolate chips and the warmth of the cinnamon in your granola. Opt for a less sweet cocoa to balance the sweetness of the granola.

  • Coffee or Espresso

    The bitterness of coffee can contrast nicely with the sweetness of the honey and maple syrup, while its robust flavor complements the nuts and oats.

  • Apple Cider

    A warm or cold apple cider can bring out the autumnal flavors in your granola, especially the cinnamon and vanilla. Opt for a less sweet cider to balance the granola's sweetness.