Sort of fitting (in a treehuggerly kind of way) to post a granola recipe the day after Earth Day, yes? Well, if the shoe fits, wear it ... or eat it perhaps (b/c wearing granola would be weird).
This is a basic, basic, basic recipe for making granola - a foundation for creating myriad variations each & every time you bake it. Suggestions following recipe.
Basic Granola
6 C rolled oats
1/2 C olive oil or grapeseed oil
1/2 C pure honey
1-1/2 t vanilla extract
1 t cinnamon
dash of salt
Add oats to large bowl. In separate bowl, blend other ingredients. Pour liquid mixture over oats & stir until well coated. Spread evenly onto jellyroll pan or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins; every 10 mins, remove from oven, gently stir & turn so it doesn’t burn on the bottom. Let cool until crisp. Store at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
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Baking Suggestions
+ Use regular rolled oats as opposed to quick-cooking oats for a heartier & heart-healthier granola.
+ Try heating the liquid ingredients (so honey melts) prior to adding to oats for a bit more crunch.
+ Use a silicone-coated parchment made with unbleached paper for an eco-friendly choice. I use these products from IF YOU CARE.
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Recipe Variations
+ Try pure maple syrup instead of honey.
+ Swap out half the honey for blackstrap molasses - it will taste chocolatey.
+ BEFORE BAKING: Add 1/2 C of chopped nuts, sesame seeds, wheat germ and/or flax seeds to oats. For each 1/2 C of dry ingredients added, I would add about 2 T more of oil & honey. Experiment & keep notes for yourself!
+ AFTER BAKING: Add 1/2 c dried cranberries, cherries or raisins right after removing from oven.
+ I have experimented with adding all-natural peanut butter with mixed results. Good luck if you try it!
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Serving Suggestions
+ add milk for regular 'ole cereal.
+ add a heaping spoon or two to plain or sweetened Greek yogurt. Try this homemade version from Vana at Le Papier Studio.
+ sprinkle onto all-natural vanilla ice cream, like Breyer's
You really can't go wrong with this basic recipe as long as your dry ingredients are well coated with an even mix of oil & honey AND you stir when baking...critical. Enjoy!
