Delicious Homemade Granola
Introduction:
In a world full of processed and sugar-laden breakfast options, there's something truly special about homemade granola. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and customizable to suit your taste buds, homemade granola is the perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. By taking a few simple steps, you can create your very own crunchy delights that will make your mornings brighter and your taste buds sing. Join us as we dive into the wonderful world of homemade granola and unlock the secrets to crafting your own irresistible blend.
The Basic Building Blocks:
The beauty of homemade granola lies in its versatility. At its core, granola consists of a mix of oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners. Start with a base of old-fashioned rolled oats, which provide a hearty and satisfying texture. Add your favorite combination of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, for a dose of healthy fats and crunch. Enhance the nutritional value by incorporating a variety of seeds, like chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds, which are packed with essential nutrients. Finally, choose a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar to bind it all together.
Get Creative with Mix-Ins:
One of the most exciting aspects of making homemade granola is the ability to personalize it with a range of delicious mix-ins. Consider adding dried fruits like raisins, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Cranberries, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Strawberries, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Raspberries, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Mango, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Bluberries, or Thrive Life Freeze Dried Blackberries,to infuse your granola with a burst of natural sweetness. For an exotic touch, experiment with coconut flakes or cacao nibs, which provide delightful flavor and texture. You can even incorporate spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to create a warm and comforting aroma.
The Perfect Balance:
While it's tempting to go overboard with sweeteners, it's essential to strike the right balance to ensure a healthy and tasty outcome. Opt for natural sweeteners in moderate amounts to avoid excessive sugar intake. Remember that the dried fruits and mix-ins already contribute to the overall sweetness, so keep that in mind when adding extra sweeteners. For those seeking a sugar-free option, consider using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce as a binding agent.
Master the Art of Baking:
To achieve that sought-after crispy texture, proper baking is crucial. Spread your granola mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking. Bake at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C), stirring the mixture every 10-15 minutes to promote even browning. Be vigilant to prevent burning, as granola can quickly go from golden to charred if left unattended.
Storage and Serving Suggestions:
Once your homemade granola has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunchiness. Mason jars or resealable bags work well for storage. Homemade granola can last for several weeks if stored properly. Enjoy it as a quick and nutritious breakfast by serving it with milk or yogurt. Add fresh fruits for an extra burst of flavor, or sprinkle it over smoothie bowls and ice cream for a delectable topping. Granola can also be a convenient on-the-go snack when packed into small portions.
Conclusion:
Homemade granola is a labor of love that rewards you with a wholesome and delicious breakfast option. By experimenting with various combinations of oats, nuts, seeds, and sweeteners, you can create a personalized blend that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs. The versatility of homemade granola allows you to tailor it to your liking, making it an ideal choice for individuals with dietary restrictions or specific flavor preferences. So, why settle for store. That and the smell that will fill your house is a warm, sweet comforting smell. Its a win, win!
Homade Granola (oil Free)
Yield: 6 cups (24- 1/4 cup servings)
Nutritional Information per serving
Calories 235
Fat 4 g.
Carbs 22
Fiber 2g
Protien 2g.
Ingredients
4 Cups Whole Oats (don't use quick oats)
1/2 cup Chopped Nuts of your choice
1 cup Unsweetened Ribbon Coconut
1/2 cup Brown sugar
1/4 cup Honey
2 TBSP. Water
1 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
1/16 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 Tsp. Baking Soda
1/2 cup Frozen Mini Semi-Sweet Chocoloate Chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, toss together oats, nuts, and coconut.
In a medium sauce pan combine brown sugar, honey, water, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt
Bring mixture to a boil stirring frequently.
Boil for 1 min whisking constantly. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and baking soda.
Whisk until mixture is foamy. (about 10 seconds). Carefully pour hot sugar mixture over dry ingredients. Toss to evenly coat.
Spread mixture on tray lined with parchment. Bake in pre-heated oven for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown. Take granola out twice during this cooking time to toss to ensure even baking.
Once the granola is evenly cooked and golden brown, take out and toss in frozen chocolate chips.
Let cool completely. (Granola wont be crisp until cooled).
Add in optional toppings, raisins, craisins,Thrive Life Freeze Dried Cranberries, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Strawberries, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Raspberries, Thrive Life Freeze Dried Mango.
Our kiddos love Granola straight from the pan, in a baggy as a snack and with a fruit parfait They especially love when I pull out the fancy glass cups and make a layered yogurt parfait. This granola is a favorite, we all enjoy it, we hope you do too!
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