The Joy of Homemade Granola: A Comforting Kitchen Ritual
Homemade granola is a game-changer for anyone looking to save money and avoid the added sugars and preservatives found in store-bought options. Plus, it fills your home with the enticing aroma of a bakery, making it a win-win situation.
A Customizable Recipe for All
I drew inspiration from the Minimalist Baker, a trusted source for approachable and delicious recipes. The beauty of homemade granola lies in its customizability – feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences. With this recipe, you’ll end up with a large jarful of fresh granola that’s perfect for snacking or adding to your breakfast routine.
Gather Your Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need:
- 3 cups thick cut rolled oats (I recommend Bob’s Red Mill brand)
- 1/2 cup Roasted Coconut Chips (Trader Joe’s has an amazing option)
- 1 cup unsalted and whole almonds
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping Tbsp. cocoa powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp. honey (or maple syrup/agave for a vegan alternative)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Make It Your Own
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients based on your personal preferences. For example, I substituted pecans for walnuts and reduced the sugar content to create a recipe that suits my taste buds.
Baking and Enjoying
To make the granola, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 340°F.
- Combine the oats, coconut, cinnamon, brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and nuts in a large bowl.
- Mix in the olive oil, honey, and vanilla extract, then pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure optimal crispness.
- Remove the granola from the oven when it’s visibly browned and enjoy!
Savor the Experience
There’s something special about savoring warm, freshly baked granola while enjoying a cup of coffee and taking in the beauty of nature outside. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade granola for yourself!
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