Sunday, July 20, 2014

GRANOLA

FLAVORFUL HOMEMADE GRANOLA
Granola is a great source of fiber and can be a super healthy snack.  Olivia and I have a friend, Laura Greig, who gave Olivia a variation of this recipe and Olivia made just a few changes to make it her own. Try this version or tweak it and make it your own.  The basic idea is the same no matter how you mix it up.  Mix dry ingredients then add coating and bake just until warm and crunchy.  The biggest risk is not letting it burn.  You will love it once you've tried it!  If you bag this into individual servings it could even make a great addition to a child or adult's lunchbox.
-Nanette



GRANOLA

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two large cookie sheets (with rims, such as jelly roll pans) with parchment paper.  Mix the following together in a very large bowl:

7 cups old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup cashew pieces

Meanwhile, in a saucepan on the stove, mix together:

1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla

After the mixture on the stove has melted together, pour it over the dry ingredients and stir.  Pour half of the mixture on to each prepared cookie sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes, and then stir both pans thoroughly. Bake five more minutes and then stir both pans again.  Bake for four to five more minutes, watching carefully, so you don't burn your granola.  Remove both pans from the oven and dump the granola into a large bowl.  Add dried fruits of your choice such as raisins or Craisins.   Store in an air tight container!

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