Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Crunchy Granola Clusters


 This is my favorite granola recipe.  When one batch is gone I make another!  It's loaded with oats, nuts, and coconut, with a touch of maple flavor and has big crunchy clusters.  It's good sprinkled on yogurt or even by the handful.  The best part is it's easy to make.  Okay, the best part is eating it by the handful!

This is the coconut I've been buying at Trader joes, coconut chips.  At other grocery stores I sometime see it called coconut flakes. This is the  texture you'll want, thinly shaved pieces of coconut.  Also I like to buy my nuts at Trader Joes as the prices are great!
 
  • INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (NOT instant)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut chips or flakes (large chips/flakes NOT shredded)
  • 1/2 cup slivered raw almonds *see note
  • 1/2 cup raw pecan halves or walnuts *see note
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • pinch sea salt (or kosher salt)
  • 3 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup real 100% PURE maple syrup (only use the real maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract





 Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. VERY IMPORTANT - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or it will stick to the pan, set aside.
  2. Add oats, coconut, almonds, and pecans to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
  3. To a  small microwave-safe bowl ( I used a glass measuring cup) add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup; stir and heat for 30 seconds.  Stir again.  If not totally combined put in the microwave, 20 seconds more and mix. Add vanilla and mix again.
  4. Immediately pour over the dry ingredients and lightly stir to combine until all oats and nuts are thoroughly coated. Arrange on a large baking sheet (covered with parchment paper) and spread into an even layer.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, turning the pan around (so it bakes evenly) and bake 10 minutes more.   Watch carefully so it doesn't burn.  Everyone's oven is different so if you may need a few more minutes. Do not stir!!  You'll know it's done when the granola is golden brown.
  6. Do not stir!  Let it cool COMPLETELY before breaking into clusters.

  7. Store in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.  
    *Add any combination of (unsalted )nuts/seeds that you like, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, etc...
Enjoy!





                                                                           

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